Jack Draper is just one victory away from securing a second Masters 1000 title in two months, having advanced to the final of the Madrid Open.
The British No. 1 is on the brink of making his top-five debut in the rankings, surpassing Novak Djokovic, after defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) in the semi-finals without dropping a set in Madrid.
Draper will face Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday. Ruud managed to defeat Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5, even while dealing with a rib injury prior to the match.
Draper’s Impressive Rise
Draper’s ascent in men’s tennis began with his Indian Wells title in March and has gained momentum on clay, which has typically been seen as his weakest surface.
Reflecting on the upcoming final, Draper expressed confidence, stating, “Ruud is a two-time French Open finalist, highly experienced on clay. He’s a seasoned professional who always puts forth his best effort, so this will be a significant challenge.” He added, “The victory against Lorenzo Musetti enhances my confidence, and I’m feeling physically fit.”
Tactical Adjustments in Semi-Final
Draper took the first set after breaking Musetti’s serve twice, despite wasting two set points before converting the third. In the second set, Musetti elevated his game, but Draper held his own with crucial holds of serve, ultimately clinching the match in a tight tie-break.
“I felt I became slightly passive at times, and against a player of this caliber, he won’t grant you leniency,” Draper admitted. He noted his change in tactics, becoming more aggressive with serve-and-volley play.
Final Showdown Ahead
Should Draper win the Madrid title along with his Indian Wells crown, he could find himself just 25 ranking points behind American Taylor Fritz, who is currently positioned at No. 4.
Ruud, on his part, faced challenges in his match against Cerundolo but showcased his mettle, saving 15 out of 18 break points he encountered. After experiencing rib pain during warm-ups, he remarked, “I wasn’t sure if I could complete the match, but I managed to maintain my composure and play effectively when it mattered most.”
Women’s Final Also Scheduled
This Saturday, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Coco Gauff in the women’s final, with coverage available live on Sky Sports Tennis starting at 5 PM.
