Jack Draper is one match away from winning his second Masters 1000 title in as many months after securing his spot in the Madrid Open final.
Draper, the current British number one, is poised to surpass Novak Djokovic and make his debut in the top five world rankings on Monday. He advanced to the final without dropping a set in the Spanish capital, defeating Italy`s Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) in the semi-finals.
He is scheduled to meet Casper Ruud in Sunday`s final. The Norwegian overcame Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5 despite reportedly struggling with a rib injury before the match.
Draper`s rapid ascent to the elite level of men`s tennis began with his Indian Wells victory in March. This success has surprisingly continued on clay, a surface generally considered his weakest.
Speaking ahead of the final, Draper commented: “Ruud is a two-time French Open finalist and very comfortable on clay. He`s a complete professional, always giving his maximum, so it will be a significant challenge.”
“However, I feel prepared after defeating a player like Lorenzo [Musetti]. I`m confident I can give my absolute best and feel physically ready.”
“Overcoming some tough five-set matches at the Australian Open earlier this year, even when I wasn`t at my peak, has stayed with me.”
Draper Secures Straight Sets Win After Tactical Shift
Draper took the first set largely thanks to securing two breaks against Musetti`s one in a high-quality opener, converting his third set point after squandering two.
Musetti, another promising player just three months younger than Draper, raised his game in the second set with impressive shot-making, while Draper appeared to tire slightly.
However, Draper held serve strongly multiple times to stay in the set. In the tie-break, a single mini-break and a decisive backhand winner sealed another impressive victory.
“I felt I was slightly passive at times, and at this level against an opponent of that quality, they won`t give you an easy time,” Draper added.
“I believe I made effective tactical adjustments, such as employing serve-volley and playing more aggressively.”
“In these crucial moments, I reflect on all the effort I put in daily—on the practice court, in physical training, and the sacrifices made. I try to remember my motivation.”
“It`s during points like these that I need to push myself harder and be the courageous one.”
Tale of the Tape
Commentator Analysis: Draper `Dug Deep`
Annabel Croft commented: “It was a fantastic match from beginning to end. Jack started very strongly, but Musetti responded well. There were many intriguing tactical exchanges and shifts in rhythm throughout the contest. At one point, it seemed physically demanding, and I felt Jack`s movement slowed slightly.”
“I`m not sure how he regained his power. He really pushed through. He`s a tremendous competitor.”
Colin Fleming added: “I`m almost speechless at how impressed I was by that win. Musetti`s only clay court loss this year was to [Carlos] Alcaraz! He`s among the world`s elite clay court players.”
“Here`s Jack Draper from Great Britain, battling it out in a semi-final in Madrid, digging deep. I thought he was on the verge of trouble and really needed to win that second set. I think he recognized that.”
“He composed himself and elevated his game back to his first-set level. That was one of the best tie-breaks I`ve seen from someone I believed was starting to struggle.”
Should he claim the Madrid title, adding it to his Indian Wells triumph from March, Draper would be just 25 ranking points behind American world No. 4 Taylor Fritz, having already moved ahead of Djokovic into the world`s top five.
Ruud Awaits in Sunday`s Final
Casper Ruud demonstrated remarkable resilience under pressure to defeat Cerundolo and reach the final.
World No. 15 Ruud, who had previously overcome Fritz and Daniil Medvedev, saved 15 out of the 18 break points he faced, including seven in a lengthy 14-minute game during the second set, to secure his place in his third Masters 1000 final.
“Honestly, I wasn`t certain I`d be able to finish the match. I felt something in my rib during the warm-up, right at the end before going out,” Ruud stated.
“I felt it with almost every shot, particularly the serve. Fortunately, I received quick treatment. There isn`t much you can do in just three minutes with the physio, so I`ll get it checked further now.”
Ruud mentioned taking painkillers and feeling better once adrenaline kicked in.
“Hopefully, it`s nothing serious; the pain was quite sharp,” Ruud added. “Not the ideal start, but I managed to stay focused and play some very effective tennis when necessary.”
Sunday marks Ruud`s 18th final appearance on clay. Among active players, only Djokovic has reached more finals on this surface (34).
Tale of the Tape (Ruud vs Cerundolo)
Saturday at the Madrid Open
Coco Gauff and top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka are set to compete in the women`s final on Saturday.
