Jack Draper`s journey at the Italian Open concluded in the quarter-finals following a straight-sets loss to Carlos Alcaraz in Rome.
The British number one aimed to reach fifth in the ATP rankings with a victory but was defeated in straight sets. Alcaraz effectively managed Draper`s serve, saving six out of eight break points against him to secure his spot in the Rome semi-finals.
Draper made a strong start to the match, breaking Alcaraz`s serve to lead 4-2 in the first set after a double fault from the Spaniard.
However, after falling behind 5-4 due to a poor game, Draper failed to convert two opportunities to break back and save the first set.
He appeared to recover in the second set, putting pressure on Alcaraz`s serve. Nevertheless, he again failed to convert two break points in the second-to-last game, ultimately handing momentum to his opponent.
Draper, who is still seeking his first ATP clay court title, seemed fatigued in Rome, both mentally and physically. His defeat came as a disappointment, particularly following his strong run to the Madrid Open final the previous week.
Alcaraz now holds a 4-2 head-to-head record against Draper and reaches the Rome semi-finals for the first time. He is set to face Italy`s Lorenzo Musetti in the last four.
Frustration as Draper analyzes the loss
Speaking after the match, Jack Draper commented on his performance:
“Carlos was better tactically and emotionally than me. I am very frustrated with my match today. I could have tactically changed a few things better and I think emotionally I was too negative.”
“A lot of that is how much tennis I’ve played, but top players bring that out of you, and Carlos was the better player and deserved to win. I’ve got to keep on working on being more physical. It’s a bit more of a chess game on clay and I’m still learning.”
“I am looking forward to going back to Roland-Garros after last year, which was a disappointing one. I feel like I’ve never really played really good, confident tennis there, so I am looking forward to that. I’m hungry to get there and carry on this form on the clay courts.”
Alcaraz satisfied with his rhythm
Carlos Alcaraz shared his perspective on the victory:
“I think the most important thing was not thinking if I was up or down. I was doing the things that make me happy on court, trying to play aggressive, hitting good shots, drop shots, going to the net.”
“That`s what I like to do and that made the difference today. I played with such a high rhythm during the whole match and didn`t let him dominate in the rallies. It was a good weapon for me and I`m really proud of how I approached the match.”
