Jack Draper pulled off a thrilling victory over Taylor Fritz in the third round of the Paris Masters, marking his fourth win over a top-10 player this season. In a hard-fought battle that lasted over two and a half hours, Draper edged past the American in a tight three-setter, winning 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-5. The match showcased Draper’s resilience, precise shot-making, and his ability to maintain composure under pressure, as he continues to make strides toward establishing himself as a rising force on the ATP Tour.
The win extended Draper’s recent winning streak to seven consecutive matches and contributed to an impressive run of 17 victories in his last 20 outings. For Draper, who has dealt with numerous injuries that hindered his early development, this successful stretch has demonstrated not only his physical resilience but also a readiness to compete consistently at the highest level. At 22 years old, he appears prepared to make his mark on the tour, showcasing a polished and well-rounded game that has only grown stronger with each match.
Facing the challenge of Fritz, currently ranked world No. 10, Draper started the first set with confidence. The British player’s serve, which has become one of his biggest assets, appeared solid, giving Fritz limited chances to strike back. Draper quickly earned a break in the third game, exploiting Fritz’s struggles with his first serve, which kept the American under constant pressure. However, when Draper seemed poised to close out the set with a 5-4 lead, Fritz fought back, breaking Draper’s serve to level the score, ultimately pushing the set into a tiebreak.
In the tiebreak, Draper initially took a 6-4 lead, looking ready to secure the set with ease. Yet, Fritz demonstrated his own competitive spirit, leveling the score and pushing Draper to fight for every point. Draper kept his focus and was rewarded with a mini-break that allowed him to close out the first set in his favor, setting the stage for an intense battle to come.
With the first set going Draper’s way, the second set brought an immediate shift in momentum. Fritz, ranked world No. 6, began to find his rhythm, particularly on his own serve, which saw a marked improvement in both accuracy and power. Draper continued to serve consistently, maintaining an impressive 100% success rate on his first serve early in the set, while Fritz’s serving efficiency trailed at around 61%. Despite the advantage on serve, Draper found himself in a marathon sixth game, where Fritz fought off seven break points to hold serve in a tense 26-point game that could have tipped the scales for either player.
This hard-fought hold seemed to energize Fritz, who subsequently broke Draper to love, taking control of the second set. With the momentum firmly in his favor, Fritz served out the set comfortably, taking it 6-4 and leveling the match at one set apiece. At this point, the crowd in Paris sensed that they were witnessing a high-stakes duel, with both players raising their level and showing remarkable tenacity.
The third and final set saw both players digging deep, but neither could establish a clear advantage. Draper and Fritz exchanged powerful baseline rallies, each displaying athleticism and determination. However, unforced errors became more frequent for both players as they battled fatigue; Draper recorded 11 winners against 16 unforced errors, while Fritz tallied 7 winners and 10 unforced errors. Still, Draper’s determination to stay aggressive on his return game kept him in contention, particularly as the set reached its climax.
In the critical moments, Draper’s persistence paid off when he earned a break point at 5-4. It was his only opportunity to break Fritz in the set, and he capitalized, securing the decisive break and clinching the match 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4. This victory not only highlighted Draper’s tactical maturity but also showcased his growth in handling pressure during key points, a trait essential for success against top-ranked opponents.
With this impressive win, Draper now advances to the round of 16, where he will face Alex De Minaur, the tournament’s 9th seed. De Minaur, known for his speed and consistency, recently defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in a comfortable straight-set victory, making him a formidable opponent for Draper. While Draper’s power-driven game differs significantly from De Minaur’s defensive and counterpunching style, the matchup promises to be an intriguing clash of contrasting approaches. De Minaur’s speed and stamina will test Draper’s ability to maintain his attacking game plan over extended rallies, particularly as he comes off a physically demanding match against Fritz.
Draper’s recent success, especially his top-10 wins this season, signals his arrival as a player to watch on the ATP Tour. He has demonstrated both the skill and the mental toughness needed to challenge the top names in the game. His recent victories have not only boosted his confidence but have also started to shift expectations within the tennis world, as fans and analysts begin to see him as a genuine threat in big tournaments. A win over De Minaur in the next round would further cement Draper’s place among the sport’s rising stars, possibly propelling him into a higher seeding for future tournaments and giving him a greater opportunity to build momentum heading into the 2024 season.
Draper’s journey to this point has been far from straightforward, with injuries and setbacks slowing his progress. However, his persistence and commitment to improving his game have paid off, allowing him to compete at the highest levels. With each match, Draper is building a reputation not just as a powerful player but as one with the composure and strategic intelligence to go deep in high-stakes tournaments. As he continues his campaign in Paris, all eyes will be on this young British talent, who seems determined to make the most of every opportunity on the court.