On the sun-baked clay of Rome’s Foro Italico, Jack Draper, Britain’s rising tennis star, faced a formidable test in the 2025 Italian Open quarter-finals against World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. The 25-year-old, ranked No. 5, fell 6-4, 6-4 in a gripping 97-minute battle, a defeat that halted his impressive clay-court surge but offered valuable lessons. Post-match, Draper candidly admitted that his game was “exposed” by Alcaraz’s tactical brilliance, particularly through the Spaniard’s masterful use of drop shots, highlighting areas for growth as he eyes the upcoming French Open.
Draper entered the match riding a wave of confidence. His 2025 season has been a breakout, with titles in Indian Wells and Vienna propelling him to a career-high ranking and a Madrid Open final appearance. Facing Alcaraz, who had beaten him in their last encounter at Indian Wells, Draper knew the challenge was steep. “I knew going into the match that Carlos is one of the best in the world, especially on clay,” he said, acknowledging the Spaniard’s 12-1 record on the surface this year. Early on, Draper seized the initiative, breaking Alcaraz’s serve to lead 4-2 in the first set, capitalizing on a rare double fault. But Alcaraz, wearing a leg brace due to a recent adductor injury, roared back, unleashing a barrage of drop shots that disrupted Draper’s rhythm. “His drop shots completely exposed me today,” Draper admitted, pinpointing the tactic that shifted the momentum.
The match turned on Alcaraz’s ability to dictate rallies with variety and precision. After dropping the first set, Draper created eight break point opportunities in the second—twice as many as Alcaraz—but converted only two. “I had chances, but Carlos was better tactically and emotionally than me,” he reflected, noting how Alcaraz’s relentless aggression and emotional resilience kept him pinned back. A pivotal moment came at 4-4 in the second set, where Draper’s lengthy service game saw him save two break points but ultimately falter, allowing Alcaraz to break to love and close out the match. “I played some good stuff, but I need to be more clinical in those big moments,” Draper added, his frustration tempered by self-awareness.
Draper’s clay-court evolution has been remarkable. Once a hard-court specialist, he’s adapted to the slower, grittier surface, reaching his first Masters 1000 final in Madrid. “I’m proud of how I’ve grown on clay,” he said, crediting his improved movement and physicality. Yet, Alcaraz’s drop shots exposed a vulnerability in his court positioning, forcing him to scramble from
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