Jack Draper has made his way to the semifinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open after staging a remarkable comeback against Matteo Berrettini, securing victory with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night.
The intense quarter-final match took place over two hours and 22 minutes, showcasing the determination and skill of both players. Draper, ranked eighth seed at the tournament, faced early struggles, missing his first 11 break-point chances before finally converting two key opportunities late in the match.
From the outset, the battle was fierce, with Draper applying relentless pressure on Berrettini’s serve. Both athletes demonstrated their prowess, exchanging powerful forehand winners and showcasing their ability to engage in long rallies. Despite Berrettini, ranked 35th, holding serve confidently, Draper’s resilience was evident as he continued to challenge his opponent.
Berrettini initially seized control of the match, breaking Draper’s serve for a 4-3 lead and closing out the first set on his third set point after 49 minutes. Draper admitted, “I thought (in) the first set obviously I played quite a sloppy game to get broken,” reflecting on the nerves and tension of the opening set.
Yet, Draper did not falter. He regrouped and came out strong in the second set, increasing his first-serve efficiency and finding his rhythm. He noted, “I felt in the second set like I was knocking on the door, getting my opportunities but not quite taking [them]. But I stayed strong.” His aggressive style began to pay off as he created break points and eventually broke through on his fourth set point to level the match.
The deciding third set saw Draper capitalize on Berrettini’s fatigue, surging to a 4-1 lead with aggressive returns and smart shot selection. An ace saved Draper as he held on for 5-2, leading to the match’s conclusion as he effortlessly sealed the victory, much to the delight of the crowd.
Draper’s victory has set up another exciting duel as he prepares to face Jiri Lehecka, who not only defeated Grigor Dimitrov but also pulled off the upset of the tournament by knocking out top seed Carlos Alcaraz. Draper recognizes the challenge Lehecka poses, stating, “Jiri’s obviously having a great start to the season. There’s so many great players in this draw — Jiri being one of them.”
The upcoming semifinal is anticipated to be competitive, and Draper is determined to maintain his aggressive returning style to counter Lehecka’s strong serve. The match is expected to be another physical contest as both players strive for victory.
Looking back on his quarter-final triumph, Draper expressed pride not only in his performance but also in his mental toughness. “I’m really proud of my physicality and mentality to stay strong and come through,” he shared. This sentiment reveals Draper’s growth as he navigates the challenges of high-pressure matches.
With the semifinal match looming, Draper carries momentum from his quarter-final win over Berrettini, aiming to continue his success and secure his place in the title match. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open has proven to be a dynamic tournament, with many surprises and outstanding matches, as players push their limits on the road to the championship.