One day after a British legend bowed out of the Cinch Championships for the final team, a rising star from the host nation continued to emerge.
Jack Draper, who kicked off the grass-court swing with a title last week in Stuttgart, upset Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 6-3 during second-round action at Queen’s Club on Thursday afternoon. Alcaraz was the defending champion of the event, will be defending his 2023 Wimbledon title next month, and recently triumphed at the French Open.
However, the top-seeded Spaniard wasn’t good enough for Draper in this one. The 22-year-old won 82 percent of his first-serve points and saved the only break point he faced while prevailing in one hour and 39 minutes. After taking the first set in a tiebreaker, one break at 3-2 was enough for Draper in the second.
“It was a really tough match,” the world No. 31 said during his on-court interview. “I knew coming out here (that) Carlos is the defending champion. He won Wimbledon last year. He’s an incredible talent; he’s so amazing for the sport. I had to come out and play really well. Luckily I did today, so thank you.”
Draper will meet Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals on Friday. Paul (No. 5) is one of just two seeds (along with No. 4 Taylor Fritz) remaining in a depleted Queen’s Club draw that also lost Andy Murray on Wednesday. The five-time champion was forced to retire with a back injury in his second-round match against Jordan Thompson.
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nice one, Draper
What a win for Jack!
But not great that Alcaraz will lose the #2 ranking for wimby if Novak plays. Be a better draw if he and Sinner are #1 and #2.
Jack was really dominant but thought Carlos was a bit off. Best match was between Brandon and Lorenzo. There’s nothing like live tennis, their skill speed, power and accuracy is simply breathtaking. And these two aren’t even top 10 I don’t think.
I waved and waved!
Didn’t see you waving Margot!! But only watched a bit.
Alcaraz probably has post RG fatigue. He will be a different beast come wimby.
Hope Jack has a great tournament. Is genuinely humble and likable. Plus he is a Rafa fan!
Glad you had a great day…😀 Well jel.
Don’t think I have ever written well jel before.
There’s a first time for everything…
I had to look that up.Very British , like Jim Jams.
Watching the replay Draper later I’ll keep an eye for waving
That was me
Sky haven’t covered Queens yet but talking of breathtaking, Sinner hit some incredible gets
Queens is on BBC 2 then iplayer
Also on tennis TV Im spoilt for choice.
Was surprised Jack lost but Lloyd suggested he’d just played too much tennis. Apparently he’s signed up for Eastbourne which seems unwise.