Burberry names British tennis star Jack Draper as ambassador
Burberry has named tennis star and Britain's number one men's player Jack Draper as its latest brand ambassador.
Draper, who has been rapidly rising through the ATP rankings over the past 12 months, recently hit the headlines for winning the Indian Wells Masters tournament in the US. Indian Wells is known as "the fifth slam" and is the most prestigious prize in tennis outside of the top four "Grand Slams" of Wimbledon, the US, the French and the Australian Opens. The win catapulted him into the world's top 10.
Surrey-born Draper is 23 years old and has for a number of years held a modelling contract with IMG, which also looks after his commercial contracts. Outside of fashion he has deals with Nike for his tennis kit and Dunlop for his racquets.
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Burberry revealed Draper as ambassador on Instagram saying: "Introducing our new brand ambassador, British No.1 tennis player Jack Draper. His drive, dedication and optimism, on and off the tennis court, make him a perfect match for Burberry."
Draper appeared on the front row of Burberry's SS25 show at London Fashion Week in February where he was photographed with Vogue US editor in chief and tennis fan Dame Anna Wintour. Dame Anna also appeared in Draper's player's box at the US Open last September where he reached the semi-finals. He featured in a shoot and feature for US Vogue in March, in which he wore Burberry for some of the images.
Draper has been praised for his off-court drive overcoming injuries to break into the top ranks of tennis and for his support of the Alzheimer's Society, for which he raises funds as his grandmother (his first tennis coach) suffers from the condition.
The signing of Draper for Burberry underscores the appeal of tennis stars and the sport in general to the fashion industry. British number two women's player Emma Raducanu racked up sponsorship deals with the likes of Tiffany and Dior following her shock win at the US Open in 2001.
APC's new collaboration with Asics
"Tenniscore" has also been a huge trend across fashion in recent seasons, which shows no signs of abating. Recently fashion brand APC collaborated with Asics on a range of on-court and off-court tennis kit, which will be worn by a number of tennis stars, including Britain's Harriet Dart, during the European tennis tournaments this spring and summer.
