British tennis star Jack Draper reached his third ATP final of the year with a commanding straight-sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The 22-year-old’s 6-2, 6-4 win over the Italian world No. 17 not only earned him a place in his biggest ATP final yet but also set him on course to achieve a new career-high ranking. Draper, currently ranked No. 15 in the live ATP standings, has now positioned himself as a genuine contender for a spot in the ATP top 10—a goal he has openly set his sights on for the near future.
This success in Vienna marks a significant milestone for Draper, who is playing in only his second tournament since his impressive run to the US Open semifinals. His performance in the semifinal against Musetti, though straight-set, was far from routine, with Draper needing nearly two hours to overcome his opponent in a match that tested his resilience. Draper broke Musetti’s serve in the opening game, taking an early lead. However, Musetti immediately fought back, breaking Draper in return and making the set fiercely competitive. Draper, though, rallied with poise, stringing together four consecutive games to secure the first set with a convincing 6-2 scoreline.
The second set was an equally intense battle, as Musetti, who himself had a strong season capped by a semifinal showing at Wimbledon, continued to apply pressure. Draper managed to break Musetti’s serve again early in the second set, but the Italian mounted a comeback, eventually leveling the set at 4-4 after putting Draper through two exhausting service games. Just as the momentum appeared to shift in Musetti’s favor, Draper pounced on a lapse in his opponent’s serve, breaking back to take a 5-4 lead. Despite feeling the physical toll of the encounter, as evidenced by his medical timeout at 5-4, Draper returned to the court and closed out the match with composure, sealing his place in the final of an ATP 500 event for the first time in his career.
Reflecting on the match, Draper expressed satisfaction with his level of play, particularly in the first set. “I thought the first set was really high level from my side,” Draper commented. “Lorenzo is a really tough competitor, and the second set was up and down, with some nerves and difficult moments. Luckily in the end, I got it done.” Draper’s performance is a testament to his growth this season, showing a new level of maturity and resilience that has impressed fans and pundits alike. He now joins the ranks of British tennis greats Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman, and two-time Vienna champion Andy Murray as one of the few Britons to reach the final in Vienna.
As Draper gears up for the final, he is mindful of the significance of this accomplishment. “I suppose it’s my biggest final yet,” he admitted. “To be in the final of a 500 after the season I’ve had, I’m incredibly grateful.” Draper’s trajectory this season has been nothing short of inspiring, especially given his past struggles with injuries and fitness. His ability to overcome those setbacks and reach a new career high in the rankings speaks volumes about his determination and focus. With strong performances in the coming tournaments, including the Paris Masters next week, Draper has a realistic shot at breaking into the ATP top 10 even sooner than anticipated.
The young Brit’s improvement has not gone unnoticed, with tennis legend and seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe offering praise for Draper’s progress and potential. Speaking at a recent Eurosport event, McEnroe highlighted Draper’s enhanced movement on court as a key factor in his success, noting that this aspect has elevated Draper’s game to a new level. “Jack has had some hard luck with injuries and faced fitness challenges when stepping up into the big leagues,” McEnroe observed. “With Andy Murray getting closer to retirement, Draper has had to take on that role in British tennis, which is no easy task.”
McEnroe went on to emphasize that Draper’s confidence and playstyle have seen a positive shift. “He is playing the game with a bit more abandon now, and that’s helping him,” McEnroe noted. “He’s using his height to his advantage and still has room to grow, especially with his tendency to stand a bit far back. But as a lefty, he has an edge—players don’t see that too often. I always knew he’d be good, and his movement at the US Open was impressive. That makes me think he could become a regular in the top 10.” McEnroe’s endorsement is high praise, particularly as he points out Draper’s newfound fearlessness on the court, a characteristic that could indeed make him a formidable presence in men’s tennis.
Draper’s growth in 2024 is even more remarkable considering he started the season with an early exit at the Australian Open. His success at the US Open, reaching the semifinals, was a significant achievement, bolstering his ranking and confidence. As Draper sets his sights on breaking into the ATP top 10, the 2025 season and upcoming Grand Slams offer prime opportunities to solidify his place among the sport’s elite. A strong showing at the Australian Open in January would further bolster his ranking and set the tone for an even more successful year.
With his latest achievements, Draper is not only raising his profile internationally but also stepping up as a new British hope in men’s tennis, potentially filling the shoes of players like Andy Murray. His resilience, skill, and determination make him a thrilling player to watch, and as McEnroe suggested, he has everything it takes to become a top-10 fixture. Draper’s immediate focus remains on the Vienna final and the Paris Masters, where he will look to continue his upward momentum and build confidence ahead of the 2025 season. If he can maintain his fitness and capitalize on his recent form, Draper might just achieve his goal of breaking into the ATP’s upper echelon, a milestone that British fans eagerly await.