Rome QF preview and prediction: Alcaraz vs. Draper

A blockbuster quarterfinal contest is set for Wednesday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper will square off for the sixth time in their careers.

Draper most recently survived a 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 roller-coaster ride a couple of months ago at the Indian Wells Masters, but Alcaraz still leads the head-to-head series 3-2. They also faced each other at the beginning of this season in Melbourne, where the Spaniard was rolling 7-5, 6-1 when Draper retired.

Physical problems are what have held Draper back in the early stages of his career, but at the moment nothing is slowing him down. The fifth-ranked Brit is No. 2 in the race to Turin thanks to a title in Indian Wells and runner-up performances in Doha and Madrid. Clay may be Draper’s least comfortable surface, but he is 9-2 on it in 2025 following Rome wins over Luciano Darderi, Vit Kopriva, and Corentin Moutet.

Making just his second appearance at the Foro Italico, Alcaraz is through to the quarters for the first time after beating Dusan Lajovic, Laslo Djere, and Karen Khachanov. Like Draper, the world No. 3 has dropped just one set along the way. It has been a mostly encouraging fortnight so far for Alcaraz, especially considering that he was a question mark going into the event due to a leg injury that prevented him from playing in Madrid.

Although Draper is playing great, no days of rest following following a three-set grind on clay is not a recipe for success. It should also be noted that the left-hander has played nine matches dating back to the start of the Madrid Masters; Alcaraz has played three.

One win away from securing the No. 2 seed at Roland Garros, a motivated and well-rested Alcaraz should have the upper hand in what could be the match of the tournament.

Pick: Alcaraz in 3