Jack Draper is finally making his mark in professional tennis after a tumultuous start plagued by injuries. The 22-year-old showcased his talent at the US Open by defeating Alex de Minaur, the world No. 10, with a score of 6-3, 7-5, 6-2, propelling him to his first grand slam semi-final.
Draper, the 25th seed, has maintained an impressive run at the tournament, navigating five matches without dropping a set and only conceding 36 games, one of the lowest totals for reaching the semi-finals in the past 40 years. With this performance, he becomes the first British man to reach the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray, who celebrated his first grand slam title at the same venue in 2012.
This victory will elevate Draper into the world’s top 20 for the first time in his career, a milestone achieved by only nine British men on the ATP tour. He is set to face either Jannik Sinner, the top seed and his close friend, or Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed and 2021 champion.
Draper expressed his long-held belief in his potential, stating, “I’ve believed for a long time that I’ve been putting in the work… I knew that my time would come.”
The match against De Minaur tested Draper’s skills against a formidable defensive player, especially given his previous losses to the Australian. Despite dealing with his own physical issues, including a thigh injury that required attention during the match, Draper maintained strong court presence and composure.
Throughout the contest, Draper effectively took command with his powerful forehand, finding ways to pressure De Minaur, who was hindered by a hip injury sustained prior to the tournament. Although De Minaur fought hard, Draper’s consistent serving and aggressive play allowed him to overcome challenges, sealing the victory in straight sets.
Reflecting on his journey, Draper noted the difficulties he faced with injuries but emphasized the privilege of competing at this level. “This is an honour to be in this position. This is why I work so hard,” he said. With two matches left to potentially win a grand slam title, Draper looks forward to continuing his impressive performance.