Jack Draper’s challenging week has taken a sharper turn. On Thursday, the world No. 6 faced defeat in the round of 16 at the Monte Carlo Masters. The following day, he lost his edge in family bragging rights when his father, Roger Draper, secured a title at an international series tournament in Sutton Coldfield.

“We often compare our rankings,” Roger, 55, remarked after clinching victory in the ITF Masters Tour men’s singles for players aged 55 and older, held near Birmingham. “This week, I’ve made significant progress toward Jack’s ranking, even though he’s ranked among the top ten players globally while I compete in an age-specific category.”

Roger kicked off his year with a bang in February, winning both the 50+ doubles and 55+ singles at an ITF tournament in Bidston, Wirral. His success in Sutton Coldfield marked his second title. He readily acknowledged the support he receives from his 23-year-old son.

“Jack has assisted me with my recovery, which becomes increasingly vital as one ages,” Roger stated following his 6-3, 6-1 victory over Pete Thompson in the Sutton Coldfield 55+ final. “He has an ice bath at home that I use occasionally, and he’s introduced me to wearing compression shorts under my tennis attire. In fact, most of what I wear on the court are hand-me-downs from Jack.”

“He has also encouraged me to wear recovery pants post-match. These pants are designed to be inflated with air and stimulate muscle recovery in the legs. You can set them for intervals of 20, 40, or 60 minutes, allowing me to relax on the sofa while watching TV or engaging in other activities.”

The Draper family has a rich tennis pedigree. Jack’s mother, Nicky Entract—who is divorced from Roger—was a former junior champion. Jack’s brother, Ben, earned a tennis scholarship in the United States and is now affiliated with the player management agency IMG, overseeing Jack’s career and that of Andy Murray among others.

Roger was a talented junior player in Lancashire before relocating to Surrey to serve as the chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association from 2006 to 2013. He won the esteemed County Week title while playing for Surrey but is now back competing for Lancashire as the county champion in the over-50 category.

This year, he joined the ITF Masters Tour, engaging in a series of tournaments categorized by five-year age groups, allowing quality amateur players to compete in events akin to professional ATP and WTA circuits. The tour features over 550 competitions across 69 countries, offering events for age groups from 30+ to 90+.

“In terms of family rankings, I’d say I rank third,” Roger quipped, noting the friendly competition with his sons regarding their achievements. “I urged Ben to win County Week for Surrey, and he successfully achieved that.”

As Sutton Coldfield represents the entry level of the ITF Masters Tour, Roger’s 100 ranking points for his recent victory will result in a gradual climb up the 55+ world rankings, making it a challenge to close the gap with Jack. While his son was awarded a prestigious crystal trophy at Indian Wells last month, Roger settled for a medal adorned with an orange sash.

Looking ahead, Roger is set to compete in a tournament in Welwyn Garden City next week, an MT400 event where similar success could yield significant ranking points and help reduce the difference with his accomplished son.