Liam Draxl looks to follow in Diallo’s footsteps – Tennis Canada

More than anything, Liam Draxl is focused on improving.

That has been his primary goal throughout 2024, his first full season as a professional. The Canadian has had to adapt to the week-to-week demands of the Challenger Tour, logging over 125 total matches in singles and doubles. To play that much tennis in a single year means you have to be winning matches—and Draxl has certainly done his share of winning in 2024.

“It was definitely a good year,” said Draxl in a recent interview with Match Point Canada. “I feel like I’ve found my groove being on the road a lot, playing so many tournaments and matches.”

The former Kentucky standout captured two ITF singles titles this fall at the M25 Edmonton and M25 Saint Augustin tournaments. He also reached the final at the Puerto Vallarta Open in November, marking his second career ATP Challenger final.

Draxl, who claimed his first ATP Challenger doubles title back in 2021 while still in college, has transitioned smoothly to professional tennis. He turned pro in June of last year and promptly won his first Challenger singles title at the Calgary National Bank Challenger. Since then, he has maintained a steady presence inside the top 300 of the rankings. Now, he’s aiming even higher.

Read more: Canadian tennis enjoys exceptional year on and off the court

“It would be great to get into Grand Slam qualifying fairly soon. I feel like those would be good experiences for me. Getting into that [200] ranking range—that’s definitely the next step for me.”

That next step is something one of his former teammates achieved in 2024. Draxl has watched with pride as fellow Kentucky alumnus Gabriel Diallo soared into the Top 100 after reaching the third round of the US Open, and advancing to his first career ATP final at the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan.

“It’s been super cool watching and rooting him on,” said the Newmarket native.
“Obviously, we spent so much time together at school. We’re the same age, both Canadian. It gives me a bit of hope and belief—thinking if one of my good friends and teammates can break through, maybe it’s possible for me to do the same.”

Growing up in Newmarket, ON, Draxl’s path to professional tennis was far from conventional. He didn’t attend expensive academies or high-performance clinics. Instead, he learned the game by playing in a variety of settings.

“I was playing doubles in leagues, adult clinics with my dad—just playing with everyone and anyone. I think it exposed me to a lot of different things within the sport and I’m really thankful for that.”

On the court, Draxl is known for his fiery attitude, competitive intensity, and relentless spirit. It’s no surprise that his idol growing up was a recently retired 22-time Grand Slam champion.

“I was a Rafa [Nadal] guy for sure. I just loved his intensity, his competitiveness. The whole mental side of how he did things was so impressive.”

While his speed, mentality, and defensive skills are strengths, Draxl knows he needs to develop a more offensive game to reach the next level.

“I’m more of a grinder and it’s really physical. If you’re trying to grind every match, how realistic is it to run side-to-side every match, week in and week out?” laughed the 23-year-old.

“I think getting more free points on the serve can make a big difference for me. That, and trying to play a bit more offense on the forehand.”

Read: Team Canada set to face Hungary at 2025 Davis Cup Qualifiers

Although his main career focus is on singles, Draxl has also excelled in doubles this season. The 23-year-old has won six doubles titles, five at the Challenger level, alongside partners like fellow Canadians Cleeve Harper (four titles) and Benjamin Sigouin (two titles). His doubles success has boosted his ranking to a career-high of No. 132 and provided valuable experience.

Photo: Puerto Vallarta Open – Draxl and Sigouin celebrate winning the doubles crown

“It helps your singles. It helps you adjust to the conditions, get on the match court—it’s a little less pressure. There are so many positives to playing singles and doubles if your body’s feeling good.”

While adapting to the professional level has been challenging, Draxl admits that the toughest hurdle is the time spent away from home.

“I miss my family and my loved ones. I think that’s the hardest part—being isolated out here, playing tournaments, going from hotel room to hotel room. That’s the biggest challenge for sure.”

As Draxl continues to navigate the grind of the professional circuit, his progress in 2024 suggests that bigger milestones may be on the horizon.

CLICK HERE to listen to full interview on Match Point Canada.