Jack Draper and Lorenzo Musetti will be going head-to-head for the fourth time in their careers when they collide in the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday.
Draper has won all three of their previous meetings–all on indoor hard courts–and he has never dropped a single set against Musetti. The British left-hander prevailed 4-1, 4-0, 4-3(3) at the 2022 NextGen ATP Finals, 7-5, 6-2 at the 2023 Sofia tournament, and 6-2, 6-4 in the Vienna semis this past fall.
Clay should give Musetti more of a chance. Even though the 11th-ranked Italian is an all-court player (he made a run to the Wimbledon semifinals last summer, for example), he is at his best on the red stuff. The bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Musetti has continued his rise this season with a runner-up performance in Monte-Carlo (lost to Carlos Alcaraz in three sets). He is back in the last four of another Masters 1000 event following Madrid victories over Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alex de Minaur, and Gabiel Diallo.
Unfortunately for Musetti, it’s safe to say that Draper has figured out how to play on clay. The world No. 6 also hasn’t surrendered a set this fortnight, powering past Tallon Griekspoor, Matteo Berrettini, Tommy Paul, and Matteo Arnaldi. Draper, the recent Indian Wells champion, has surged through his last four sets by scorelines of 6-2, 6-2, 6-0, and 6-4.
In traditional clay conditions such as at Rome or Roland Garros, Musetti would probably be competitive in this matchup. At high altitude, however, Draper’s game is looking scary. As the highest-ranked player left in the field, the 23-year-old could be on his way to a second Masters 1000 title.
Pick: Draper in 2
WWW?
Scary is it?
Agreed he’s to dominate
I’m not sure you can figure out how to play on clay when you hit flat and your game is designed for hardcourts and grass. That’s not yo say you can’t do well against against less accomplished clay courters.
If Musetti plays the right match, tactically, he has the edge to win. Easier said than done against an opponent that’s tee-ing off on everything and not missing. He’ll have to play at least as well as he did against Demon.
He had no chance can’t compare demon to Jack Draper won in 2 today for a reason
Love Lorenzo, but can’t pick against Jack
This coaching from the sideline needs to be stamped out. Musetti heard what was being said to Draper and it made him lose concentration.
Flat backhands are the new edge on clay courts. Who wouldve thought.
Agree on the coaching, I know it was a while ago now, and not strictly coaching but the Fritz family were so annoying, literally calling out between every point, at last year’s USO