Carlos Alcaraz was well beaten by Jack Draper yesterday, as the 21-year-old failed to defend his Queen’s title.
It was always going to be a tough task, and when Alcaraz’s Queen’s draw was released, fans instantly feared for his chances.
However, he did not even get the chance to play more than twice, instead seeing his tournament cut short by the blisteringly in-form Briton.
Whilst he took the defeat as graciously as ever, with a smile still on his face as he left the court, he has since been dealt further bad news which might have wiped that clean off by now.
Carlos Alcaraz fails to defend Queen’s title
As the world number two, he was the top seed for this West Kensington event, given Jannik Sinner was playing in Halle.
Therefore, on paper, he should have been handed an easier draw.
But such was the all-around strength of the competition, every round posed a tricky test, and to hold onto all 500 of his ranking points was going to be an all-out war.
However, to lose so early really was a shock, and as such Alcaraz is now poised to lose a huge number of points which will see him drop below Novak Djokovic and into third in the world rankings.
Journalist Jose Morgado added further context: ‘Novak Djokovic back to world #2 on Monday, as Alcaraz drops 450 points from the 2023 Queen’s title on Monday.
‘If Novak Djokovic (new #2) decides to play Wimbledon, he will be the second seed, with Jannik Sinner top seed.’
Jack Draper will be flying into Wimbledon
Even if he was to be felled in the next round against Tommy Paul, it is inarguable that Draper has not enjoyed a blistering pre-tournament preparation for Wimbledon.
After all, as if winning his first ATP title in Stuttgart was not enough, on the grass no less, he has now followed that up with a win over the world number two.
Reaching the quarter-finals of an ATP 500 event now, he will have aspirations of going all the way.
And after beating a player of Alcaraz’s calibre, why shouldn’t he?
Draper has everything in his locker to be a top player, with his sizeable frame allowing him huge power and a thunderous serve.
However, he offsets that brute force with a deft drop shot, and showcased his technical quality with a stunning second-set pick-up from Alcaraz’s return which floated over the net at a cute angle and landed on the line.
At the moment, everything is going his way. He should feel mightily confident now going into Wimbledon.
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