Britain’s Jack Draper has made headlines by advancing to the quarter-finals of the US Open, showcasing an impressive performance against Tomas Machac with a straight-set victory of 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. The 22-year-old British No. 1 has dominated the tournament so far, advancing through all rounds without dropping a set.
This victory is particularly significant for Draper, as he had previously lost three matches against Machac. However, at Flushing Meadows, he seized this critical opportunity to turn the tables.
In a surprising twist, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated from Draper’s section of the draw, potentially paving a clearer path for the Briton as he aims for deeper tournament progress. The start of the match saw Machac beginning confidently, making it a challenge for Draper to secure his early service games. However, Draper broke the initial tension and took control, dominating from that point onward.
Draper’s relentless quality of play ultimately led to Machac’s unraveling, as the Czech player struggled and even engaged in a visible argument with his team during the match. Draper, undeterred, continued to showcase a high level of play as he advanced towards victory.
To close out the match, Draper had to navigate a challenging game where he saved three break points, positioning himself at 5-1 in the third set. As Machac fought to stay competitive, Draper displayed exceptional skill with a well-placed return of serve, bringing the score to deuce before ultimately serving for victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Draper stated, “The last few times we played it was a battle. Today, I played at a decent level and he was maybe a little bit off his best. I just need to keep going now. I love playing here in New York.”
Former player and pundit commented on Draper’s outstanding performance, noting that while Machac started well, Draper quickly took command of the match, leading to a decisive victory.
As the US Open continues, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches, especially with Draper’s growing momentum and confidence on the court.
