Jack Draper Shines in US Open Quarter-Finals with Dominant Victory Over Tomas Machac
Jack Draper has secured his place in the US Open quarter-finals with a stunning performance, defeating Czech player Tomas Machac 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. This victory marks Draper’s first Grand Slam quarter-final and continues his breakthrough year on the tennis circuit.
The 22-year-old Briton, who is making waves in the tennis world, showcased a remarkable level of play, proving his readiness for the big stage. Draper’s commanding win over Machac is particularly notable as it comes after the Czech had bested him in their previous three encounters.
Draper’s performance was nothing short of clinical. “I thought I did the basics really well,” Draper said in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. “I increased my level when I needed to and was pretty clinical in some moments.” The victory is a testament to Draper’s growth and maturity as a player, following a season that has seen him claim his first ATP title in Stuttgart and secure a notable win over Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s.
With high-profile players such as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz already out of the tournament, Draper has taken full advantage of the opportunity. He has not dropped a set in the tournament so far and will face 10th seed Alex de Minaur in the next round, both aiming for their first Grand Slam semi-final appearance.
Draper’s victory was marked by his calm and efficient play. Despite a strong start from Machac, Draper’s resilience and strategic play led him to control the match with ease. His ability to handle Machac’s early pressure and then dominate the game with powerful baseline shots and smart play at the net was a highlight of the match.
Former British number one Tim Henman praised Draper’s performance, describing it as a “masterclass” on BBC Radio 5 Live. “Jack was just so efficient in all areas. His movement, controlled aggression, and consistency were remarkable,” Henman said.
Davis Cup captain Leon Smith also commended Draper’s passion and curiosity about the game, while former British number one Annabel Croft was impressed by Draper’s composure and commanding presence on court. “He took away every ounce of belief that Machac had,” Croft noted.
As Draper advances to the quarter-finals, he is on the brink of making history. A win in the next round would see him become the first Briton to reach the men’s semi-finals at the US Open since Andy Murray’s triumph in 2012. Draper’s journey at this year’s US Open not only highlights his impressive form but also sets the stage for what could be a historic achievement for British tennis.