British tennis player Jack Draper made a significant breakthrough at the US Open by reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal without dropping a set. In a commanding performance, Draper defeated Alex De Minaur in straight sets 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 to secure his spot in the final four.
Draper, seeded 25th, showcased his powerful serve, reaching speeds of up to 128 mph, and capitalized on his aggressive play with 40 winners during the match. He managed to break De Minaur's serve six times, demonstrating his dominance on the court.
Reflecting on his achievement, the 22-year-old Draper expressed his excitement, calling it a dream come true to compete on the biggest stage in tennis. He becomes the first British man to reach the US Open semifinals since Andy Murray claimed the title in 2012.
Draper acknowledged Murray's support, highlighting the former world No. 1's availability for guidance. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Draper maintained a calm demeanor, focusing on taking each day as it comes and looking ahead to the next challenge.
In the upcoming semifinals, Draper will face either top-seeded Jannik Sinner or No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. As a keen sports enthusiast, Draper expressed his intention to closely follow the match to gather insights for his next encounter.
Draper's victory over De Minaur, who struggled with a hip injury, marked his second consecutive win against a top-10 ATP player, following his triumph over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the year. The British player's improved fitness and strategic gameplay have been instrumental in his success at the US Open.
De Minaur, despite acknowledging Draper's prowess, lamented his inability to execute his game plan effectively. He praised Draper's continuous improvement and work ethic, recognizing the young player's potential.
Draper's remarkable journey at the US Open signifies a significant rise in his ATP rankings, with a guaranteed entry into the top 20. His impressive form and determination have captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal showdown.
