PLAYER PROFILE

Scott Draper

  • Age50
  • Born 5 June 1974
  • Birth PlaceBrisbane, Queensland
  • LivesBrisbane, Queensland
  • PlaysLeft-handed
  • Playing StatusRetired
“This is the first time I’ve played in the ATL and I’m looking forward to this fast paced format. The shortened games and modified scoring puts a lot more pressure on each point. I’m looking forward to this ATL experience and hopefully I can post some wins for the Tennis World Taipans. ”

— Scott Draper, 21 Nov 2013

» Scott Draper joins Vic Conference, as Taipans eye finals spot

In 2005, while his tennis career ebbed, Draper took time out to begin building a career as a professional golfer.

Returning to the Australian Open after a long injury break, he won the mixed doubles title with fellow Queenslander Samantha Stosur in the event’s centenary year.

In 1995 and 1996 he reached the round of 16 at the French Open, and achieved the same success at the 1997 US Open.

However, Draper’s career was destabilised by personal tragedy. His first wife, Kellie, passed away in July 1999 from cystic fibrosis. Grief sent his career into a tailspin.

He got back on track in 2002, only to suffer a knee injury that kept him off the courts for most of 2004.

Draper played three Davis Cup singles matches for Australia: two against Argentina in 2002 and a qualifying play-off against India the same year.

His highest singles ranking was No.42 (May 1999) and doubles ranking was No.132 (December 1996). He has since remarried to Jessica, the mother of his first child, Jayden (born 3 May 2007).

Draper returned to tennis coaching in 2009 and became Head Coach of Tennis Australia’s National Academies in July 2010.

He also coached the Australian men’s tennis team that contested the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.

His younger brother, Mark, reached a singles career-high ranking of No.152 in September 1998 and his sister, Sharon, was a top junior.

Scott Draper in the news

Coaches undergo “eye-opening” education at Talent Combine
An off-court session at the Tennis Australia Talent Combine in Brisbane. Picture: Tennis Australia
27 September, 2023

Coach education has also been a focus at the inaugural Tennis Australia Talent Combine in Brisbane.
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De Minaur: “It’s amazing to see nine Aussies in the top 130”
Thanasi Kokkinakis, James Duckworth and Alex de Minaur are among the top-ranked Aussie men. Pictures: Getty Images
6 May, 2022

Thanasi Kokkinakis, James Duckworth and Alex de Minaur are leading the charge in an exciting time for Australian men's tennis.
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Surface notes: Clay courts as classrooms
Clay courts at Melbourne Park.
13 October, 2020

The introduction of more clay courts in Australia ensures players can take advantage of a surface widely regarded for its development benefits.
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Aussies in focus: Seone Mendez
Seone Mendez in action during the Australian Open 2014 girls' singles event; Getty Images
15 December, 2014

One of the brightest talents rising through the Australian pathway, Seone Mendez will debut in the Australian Open Play-off women's field on Tuesday.
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