Jack Draper is set to return to the court this evening, taking on Australia’s Alex de Minaur at Arthur Ashe Stadium for a place in the US Open semi-finals.
As the British No. 1, Draper is venturing into new territory, having never before reached this stage of a Grand Slam. He’ll be aiming to follow in Emma Raducanu’s footsteps and claim the title at Flushing Meadows. Draper has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, winning all four of his matches in straight sets. His latest victory was a decisive 6-3 6-1 6-2 win over Czechia’s Tomas Machac, a player he had never beaten before.
In contrast, De Minaur, the No. 10 seed, has faced a tougher path. He has been pushed to four sets in three of his matches, including a challenging third-round battle against Great Britain’s Dan Evans. On Monday, he triumphed over compatriot Jordan Thompson with a scoreline of 6-0 3-6 6-3 7-5, and he will be ready for another tough contest this evening.
Jack Draper vs. Alex de Minaur LIVE
Jack Draper is up against Alex de Minaur in the US Open quarter-finals.
SECOND SET: Draper extends his lead with a 7-5 victory, despite a brief wobble.
FIRST SET: Draper dominates from start to finish, winning 6-3.
Draper, who defeated Tomas Machac in the fourth round, is competing in his first Grand Slam quarter-final.
ANALYSIS: While Jack Draper may not be the ‘next Andy Murray,’ he has the potential to mirror his friend and idol’s success at the US Open.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 5-2 Alex de Minaur
21:09, Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s looking increasingly grim for Alex de Minaur, who might want to start considering flights for Thursday morning. Another game goes on serve, and Jack Draper is closing in on victory.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 4-2 Alex de Minaur
21:06, Harry Latham-Coyle
Draper pulls himself out of trouble from 15-40, taking another crucial step towards the semi-finals.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 3-2 Alex de Minaur
21:01, Harry Latham-Coyle
Draper breaks! The British left-hander steps up his game, hitting a couple of impressive forehands past de Minaur and bringing the finish line into view.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 Alex de Minaur
20:57, Harry Latham-Coyle
Alex de Minaur’s exceptional movement allows him to chase down a forehand passing shot after Draper initially missed his chance. Despite the effort, we remain on serve in the third set.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 1-2 Alex de Minaur
20:52, Harry Latham-Coyle
Alex de Minaur takes a nervous look as he watches Jack Draper’s lob pass by, but the shot lands accurately down the tramlines. De Minaur responds with an ace up the middle, holding serve with some relief.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 1-1 Alex de Minaur
20:50, Harry Latham-Coyle
Draper holds serve comfortably, showing no signs of stress.
Jack Draper 6-3, 7-5, 0-1 Alex de Minaur
20:47, Harry Latham-Coyle
Alex de Minaur starts the third set strong, maintaining his composure despite his hip issue. His resilience in the second set was notable, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain this level over what might be a grueling five-set match.
GAME AND SECOND SET! Jack Draper extends his lead!
20:42, Harry Latham-Coyle
Jack Draper is now just one set away from his first Grand Slam semi-final! Despite a brief hiccup towards the end of the second set, Draper quickly regrouped and secured the set with a stylish backhand volley.
Jack Draper 6-3, 4-2 Alex de Minaur
20:14, Harry Latham-Coyle
A stunning passing shot saves a break point for Draper! Alex de Minaur came close, maneuvering to the net, but his block volley fell short. Draper seized the opportunity, executing a brilliant forehand down the line to win the point. This crucial hold could prove pivotal for Draper’s momentum.
