Syed Talib
Updated on: October 14, 2024 10:12 pm GMT
After a thrilling performance at the US Open, Jack Draper, the British tennis star, continues to impress on the international stage. He recently advanced to the last 16 of the Japan Open, showcasing his skills with a decisive straight-set victory over Mattia Bellucci. Draper defeated the Italian player with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-2, marking his first singles victory since his recent semi-final run at the US Open.
Strong Start for Draper
The match in Tokyo started off tight, but Draper quickly found his rhythm. He broke Bellucci’s serve in the fifth game of the first set, which set the tone for the rest of the match. Draper served four aces during the opening set, demonstrating his power and precision on the court.
In the second set, Draper took control, racing to a 5-1 lead before sealing the victory. He expressed his desire to maintain a high level of performance, stating, “I want to get to the position where I’m consistently winning and playing at a high level week in, week out.”
Upcoming Challenges
Next, Draper will face Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz on Friday. Hurkacz is a formidable opponent and poses a significant challenge, but Draper’s recent performance suggests he is ready for the test.
Davis Cup Disappointment
Though Draper is currently on an upswing, his recent appearances hadn’t all gone smoothly. Earlier this month, he participated in the Davis Cup in Manchester, where he struggled, losing two singles matches. Great Britain failed to advance to the knockout stages, as Draper was defeated in straight sets by Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina and Felix Auger-Aliassime from Canada.
Other Matches in Japan
The Japan Open has seen several exciting outcomes. Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek fourth seed, faced an unexpected defeat against American Alex Michelsen, losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Meanwhile, American fifth seed Tommy Paul triumphed over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
In another lengthy match, Japanese player Yoshihito Nishioka edged out Auger-Aliassime in a thrilling three-hour and 12-minute clash, winning 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 7-6 (7-5). This resilience showcased the high level of competition at the tournament.
Women’s Competition
In the China Open, British player Harriet Dart suffered a tough first-round loss to Clara Tauson from Denmark. Dart won the first set but couldn’t hold on, ultimately falling 5-7, 6-4, 6-1.
Looking Ahead
As Draper prepares for his next match against Hurkacz, his recent win in Tokyo gives him a boost of confidence. The young star aims to build on this momentum and compete at the highest levels of tennis. Will Draper continue to climb the ranks in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) standings? Only time will tell.
For live scores and updates on Draper’s journey and other players in the tournament, visit Tennis Live Scores.
Exciting things are happening at the Japan Open! Fans are really looking forward to watching Draper play against some of the best players.
