Jack Draper has made headlines at the Madrid Open after a stunning victory over Italy's Matteo Arnaldi, winning 6-0, 6-4 on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This triumph not only propels Draper into the semi-finals but also ensures his place among the top five players in the world for the first time in his career.
The fifth seed Draper dominated the match, wrapping up the first set in just 25 minutes. His powerful groundstrokes and precise serving left Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, struggling to find his rhythm. Draper quickly established a commanding lead, breaking Arnaldi's serve early and racing to a 4-0 advantage.
Despite Arnaldi's attempts to mount a comeback in the second set, winning his first two service games, Draper remained unfazed. He made a crucial break at 3-2 with a fierce cross-court winner, ultimately sealing the match in one hour and 17 minutes. Draper finished the match with an impressive statistic of dropping just 10 points on his serve without facing a single break point.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Draper expressed his growing confidence on the court. "I feel stronger every time I play. Against these guys I used to feel like I would be the one on the back foot, the one defending. So the next part of my game was getting capable physically to do the things I know I can do and bully these guys," he stated. Draper highlighted the importance of his forehand, which he noted is doing significant damage this season. "I know I can win any match and lose any match. I am fearful I could lose but that helps me compete the way I do," he added.
With this victory, Draper not only becomes the highest-ranked player remaining in the men's singles draw at the Madrid Open but also prepares to face either Lorenzo Musetti or Gabriel Diallo in his first ATP clay court semi-final. This marks a significant milestone for Draper, as he is set to move ahead of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the ATP rankings when the new standings are released on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Draper's ascent to the top five will make him only the second left-handed player to achieve this milestone in the last two decades, joining the ranks of Rafael Nadal. This victory also marks the first time since 2016 that a British player has reached the semi-finals in Madrid, a feat accomplished by his close friend and mentor, Andy Murray.
Reflecting on his performance, Draper commented, "I felt confident from the first ball. I’ve been building my level over the last week or so. Credit to Matteo as well, he made my life difficult in that second set, but I’m proud of the way I competed today." His ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as he navigated through challenges posed by Arnaldi, who had previously knocked out Djokovic in the second round.
Draper's performance in Madrid has been characterized by powerful serves and aggressive groundstrokes, allowing him to dictate play. He finished the match with 17 winners compared to 15 unforced errors, showcasing his attacking style and determination on the clay surface.
As Draper prepares for his next match, he is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Musetti, his potential opponent, is also in fine form, having reached the final of Monte Carlo just weeks prior. On the other side of the draw, Casper Ruud, a two-time finalist at the French Open, awaits the winner of the Draper-Musetti/Diallo clash.
The altitude of Madrid, standing at approximately 650 meters above sea level, adds an extra layer of difficulty for players, as the thinner air allows for faster ball speeds. Draper has adapted well to these conditions, using his powerful left-handed serve to his advantage.
Despite having an off day in Monte Carlo, where he lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Draper has bounced back impressively in Madrid, winning all seven sets he has played thus far. His recent form suggests he is on the cusp of achieving something remarkable, with a second Masters 1000 title within reach after his triumph at Indian Wells just seven weeks ago.
Looking ahead, Draper remains focused on his game and the preparations that have led him to this point. "I think I’m just well prepared. I’ve worked really hard every single day to do all the right things off the court, on the court. When I go out there on a match court, I have a feeling that it’s going to be okay because I’ve prepared so well," he said. Draper’s determination and hard work are evident as he aims to continue his successful run in Madrid and solidify his place among the tennis elite.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Draper can maintain his momentum and secure a spot in the final, potentially adding another title to his growing collection.
