British tennis player Jack Draper advanced to the US Open semi-finals after defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, 6-2, on Wednesday. The 25th seed made history, becoming the first British man to reach the final four at Flushing Meadows since Andy Murray’s triumph in 2012.
Draper’s impressive run in the tournament continues as he remains the only player yet to drop a set. In his post-match interview with Reuters, the 22-year-old expressed satisfaction with his performance:
“I think I played a solid match. I feel the best fitness-wise I’ve been in a long, long time, and I think that’s where Alex has sort of got me in the past. I also think he was struggling a little bit today with something, which may have helped me.”
The match began with an early break of serve in favor of Draper. However, both players faced injury concerns during the second set, with de Minaur, still recovering from a hip injury that forced him out of Wimbledon, appearing to move uncomfortably. Draper also took a timeout due to discomfort in his right thigh. Despite these setbacks, de Minaur managed to level the set at 4-4, but Draper broke serve in the 11th game, securing a 2-0 lead.
Draper’s powerful groundstrokes and control over the court proved too much for de Minaur, leading to his fourth defeat in a Grand Slam quarter-final. Reflecting on the match, de Minaur said:
“The way he can spread the court, being a lefty and really move you around the court, it takes a toll on the body. Accumulation of matches takes a toll, as well.”
Draper, who will now face Jannik Sinner in the semi-final on September 7 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, expressed his delight and praised his opponent in his interview, showcasing his sportsmanship.
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