NEW YORK — Jack Draper powered into his first Grand Slam semifinal, defeating Alex de Minaur with a score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 on Wednesday. This remarkable achievement makes him the first male player since 2020 to reach the final four at the U.S. Open without dropping a set.
The No. 25 seed from Britain showcased an impressive serve that reached speeds of 128 mph, contributing to his impressive tally of 40 winners throughout the match. Draper broke the 10th-seeded de Minaur’s serve six times.
With this victory, Draper becomes the first British man to reach the U.S. Open semifinals since Andy Murray’s title win in 2012. He is now set to face either top-seeded Jannik Sinner or No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in the upcoming semifinals. Notably, Medvedev was the last player to progress to the semis at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set, before winning the title in 2021.
In earlier matches, Karolina Muchova marked her return to the U.S. Open semifinals for the second consecutive year, decisively defeating No. 22 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4. Muchova’s journey back to this stage comes after undergoing wrist surgery that kept her off the court for nearly 10 months.
The Czech player, who returned to competitive play just before Wimbledon in June, has now reached her fourth career Grand Slam semifinal just two months later. Muchova expressed her growing confidence on the court and the importance of gaining match experience.
She is set to compete against either top-seeded Iga Swiatek or No. 6 Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal. Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, will face first-time Grand Slam semifinalist Emma Navarro in the remaining semifinal matchup.
Muchova dominated in the first set, quickly taking a 5-0 lead and closing it out in just 35 minutes. The second set proved more challenging, with both players encountering physical difficulties during the warm afternoon.
After experiencing discomfort, Haddad Maia struggled to maintain her composure against Muchova, who continued to apply pressure. Despite personal challenges stemming from multiple injuries, Muchova showcased her resilience, noting her focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on past setbacks.
Muchova has successfully navigated through the tournament without dropping a set in her five matches, finishing her latest match with an ace. As she prepares for her semifinal clash, Muchova reflects on her journey and emphasizes her determination to overcome the odds.
As the U.S. Open progresses, fans eagerly await the upcoming matches that promise thrilling action and unforgettable moments in tennis history.
