Jack Draper will get a true test of where his game is at tomorrow when he faces the relentless Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s.
The newly crowned Great Britain number one won the Stuttgart Open last week and he’s a man bang in form.
Draper overcame Matteo Berrettini in the final on Sunday to claim his first title as a professional player.
In contrast, Alcaraz lifted the French Open earlier this month to become the youngest man to win a slam on every surface.
Ahead of tomorrow’s last 16 tie at Queen’s, BBC pundit Annabel Croft has predicted how the match might go.
Annabel Croft predicts what will happen when Carlos Alcaraz plays Jack Draper
It does feel like a really good test for Draper at this stage of his season and he could be really dangerous on grass.
The big-serving British player is going to have a really good go at Alcaraz and if he comes out on top, who knows how far he could go.
Ahead of the clash that will definitely be on the main court, Croft has shared what she thinks will happen in the match.
She told BBC Sport: “I think he is the sort of player because he has weapons and is dangerous and even Alcaraz himself said up against a lefty with a big serve on grass is problematic. Also, Jack volleys so great on court – he has a sense of where to position himself and finish balls at the net.
“They’ve met each other twice and the first time they met it was 7-5 in the final set, so that set the tone for the rivalry.
“He’s not afraid of playing Alcaraz and can bring his brand of tennis to the court during that match.
“I don’t think it matters who is down the other end, he will take care of what he can do, which is big serving and ball striking to take Alcaraz off the court.
“I think it could be a really interesting match. I think it’s going to be box office and it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere for that match.”
Draper can stand up to Alcaraz onslaught
The 22-year-old might be the Great Britain number one but he’s still down at number 31 in the world rankings.
With that in mind, facing Alcaraz won’t be easy and he will need to make sure he stands up to be counted tomorrow.
Draper will fancy having a really good crack at the Spanish star though given that he won a title last week and is in confident form.
With his big serves and solid ground strokes, it’s important that Draper gets Alcaraz on the move and takes him out of his comfort zone.
The Sutton-native has absolutely nothing to lose and hopefully, Croft is right and the fans are treated to a real classic at Queen’s
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