The excitement at Queen’s Club ramps up as Jack Draper faces off against Alexei Popyrin in a highly anticipated quarterfinal match. The 23-year-old Brit, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, is riding high after a strong summer grass-court season that includes a semifinal appearance at the 2024 U.S. Open, an Indian Wells title, and a runner-up finish in Madrid. His impressive form continued with a decisive victory over Jenson Brooksby, winning 6-1, 6-3. By advancing to the semifinals, Draper will also secure a crucial top-four seed for Wimbledon.
Their matchup on Wednesday marks the second encounter between Draper and Popyrin; the Australian lost their first meeting 6-2, 7-6(4) earlier this season in Doha. While Popyrin is ranked No. 21 and just edged past Aleksandar Vukic in a tight third-set tiebreak, his overall grass-court record of 22-22 raises questions about his ability to defeat a player of Draper’s caliber. Experts predict Draper will prevail in straight sets once again.
In another quarterfinal, Jakub Mensik is set to take on Roberto Bautista Agut. After overcoming a knee injury that almost led to his withdrawal from the Miami Open, Mensik made headlines by clinching the title and defeating Bautista Agut in the opening round of that tournament. Now, the 19-year-old sensation, who ranks No. 17 in the world, faces Bautista Agut again, bringing renewed momentum after defeating Cameron Norrie in a recent three-set match.
Bautista Agut, at age 37, has been showing signs of age, with a record of 8-15 this season, but remains a formidable opponent on grass. He managed a thrilling comeback against Nuno Borges in the previous round, saving a match point to win. However, against the young and dynamic Mensik, who has less experience on grass but boasts a game suited for the surface, the odds appear stacked against Bautista Agut.
As both matches unfold, fans anticipate thrilling tennis action with promising prospects for Draper and Mensik advancing further in the tournament.