Jack Draper is into the US Open semi-finals having yet to drop a set.
It has been a mesmeric run, but one that always felt possible as his 2024 continued to snowball.
Injuries have not been kind to the British number one throughout his young career, but at last he is reaping the rewards of his hard work and perseverance.
Speaking after his latest triumph, beating the world number ten Alex de Minaur, he admitted that something felt strange during the clash.
Jack Draper reacts to Alex de Minaur injury
Reviewing his emphatic straight-sets victory over the Australian, which has maintained his impeccable record of having not dropped a set all tournament, Jack Draper was asked about his performance.
However, after outlining his pleasure, he also expressed some sympathies, admitting he did notice that De Minaur seemed to be struggling as the match went on.
The 22-year-old claimed: ‘It’s hard [to stay focused]. I definitely was aware Alex hadn’t played since Wimbledon and had a tough injury. Whenever I have played Alex or watched him in the past, he moves incredibly well and is so fast, relentless off the ground and doesn’t miss balls.
‘Towards the end of the first set I didn’t know he was struggling with injury, but I definitely noticed he was a bit subdued. That kind of made me realise wow he has maybe got something slightly wrong but then again maybe I was hurting a bit as well, so it was a strange situation.
‘I definitely felt in the second set it was there for me to take the set early on but I didn’t. Part of that was maybe me focusing on myself too much and not realising what was going on on the other side of the court.
‘But it’s tough, I was taking on someone who still moves pretty well and was making balls. It was kind of difficult to play the way I wanted to play, I started becoming more passive and was playing for him to miss instead of playing the tennis I am supposed to be playing, which is to be aggressive and be on the front foot. But it is a challenge playing someone who isn’t 100%.’
Ironically, Jack Draper provided a fitness update after his quickfire win over De Minaur.
Could Jack Draper knock Jannik Sinner out of the US Open?
Having beaten De Minaur, Draper has extended his greatest-ever run at a Grand Slam event by reaching the semi-finals of the US Open.
However, as was to be expected, he will now face his greatest challenge, with Jannik Sinner, the world number one, standing between him and the grand finale.
Already the Great British star has showcased his penchant for a big win, dumping plenty of big-name stars out of various competitions throughout 2024.
In fact, he even overcame Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s, which should give him the belief that the Italian could be next on the chopping block.
Whilst he has every right to fear his upcoming opponent, similarly, they should fear him.
A big-serving lefty with nothing to lose at this stage and everything to gain. He is dangerous and will certainly pose a threat to the 23-year-old.
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