Sport Discussed

By Ben Phillips September 5, 2024

British tennis star Jack Draper has secured his place in the semi-finals of the US Open after an impressive straight-sets victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Draper won the quarter-final match 6-3, 7-5, 6-2, showcasing a commanding performance to reach the final four of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

Draper, 22, is the first British male player to make it to the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray’s famous 2012 run, when he went on to win the tournament. Draper’s victory over de Minaur, the 10th seed, highlights the Briton’s remarkable progress in the tournament and his growing reputation as a future star in men’s tennis.

A Commanding Performance

Draper, seeded 25th in the tournament, played with confidence and composure throughout the match. He broke de Minaur’s serve early in the first set, maintaining his lead to take it 6-3. Draper’s powerful baseline game and effective net play kept de Minaur on the back foot, with the Australian struggling to match his opponent’s intensity.

The second set was more competitive, with de Minaur finding his rhythm and forcing Draper into longer rallies. However, Draper broke de Minaur’s serve at a crucial moment, clinching the set 7-5. With momentum on his side, Draper dominated the third set, closing out the match with a 6-2 win.

Facing World No. 1 Jannik Sinner

Draper’s semi-final challenge will be a daunting one, as he prepares to face world number one Jannik Sinner. The Italian star reached the semi-finals after defeating fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in a four-set battle, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4. Sinner has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, and his all-around game will pose a tough test for Draper.

Despite the challenge ahead, Draper will take confidence from his journey so far in New York. His quarter-final win caps off a string of impressive victories and his new found consistency has made him one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

Draper’s Historic Achievement

Draper’s run to the semi-finals marks a significant milestone for British tennis, as he becomes the first British male to reach this stage of the US Open since Andy Murray’s title-winning campaign in 2012.

Speaking after his quarter-final victory, Draper acknowledged the significance of his achievement but remained focused on the challenges ahead. “It’s incredible to be in the semi-finals of the US Open, and I’m proud of how I’ve played so far,” Draper said. “But I know the job isn’t finished. Sinner is the number one player in the world for a reason, and I’ll need to be at my best to compete.”

Looking Ahead

As Draper prepares for his semi-final against Sinner, the excitement around the young Briton continues to build. His aggressive style of play, combined with his ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments, has made him a fan favorite at Flushing Meadows.

With his first Grand Slam semi-final on the horizon, Draper has a golden opportunity to make even more history. While facing Sinner will be a monumental task, Draper has shown throughout the tournament that he has the game to challenge the very best.

The 2024 US Open is shaping up to be a career-defining tournament for Jack Draper, and British tennis fans will be eagerly watching as he takes on the world number one in a match that could cement his place among the sport’s elite.