Jack Draper has ‘a chance’ at US Open after Carlos Alcaraz’s shock exit, says tennis pundits
The 2024 US Open draw has opened up for Jack Draper following several shocks during the first week of the tournament, but the British No 1 has been urged not to “get ahead of himself”.
Draper initially landed in a difficult section as he was projected to meet reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the opening week, but the Spaniard was stunned by Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
The 25th seed then booked his place in the fourth round with a straight-sets win over Van de Zandschulp and he will now take on Tomas Machac, who defeated 16th seed Sebastian Korda earlier in the draw.
The winner of the Draper-Machac clash will face either 10th seed Alex de Minaur or Jordan Thompson, who upset seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz in the second round, in the quarter-final of the US Open.
The Sky Sports Tennis commentators are excited about what’s to come for Draper with Laura Robson saying: “It’s wide open. Jordan Thompson took out the other high seed in this section, beating Hubert Hurkacz, and for De Minaur to be the highest ranked, I think that’s an opening for a lot of players.
“Especially for Jack if we’re getting excited and looking ahead.
“De Minaur hasn’t been totally healthy leading up to this tournament, he’s still been struggling with his hip and hasn’t really played since Wimbledon.
“It feels like a chance.”
US Open News
Jannik Sinner reacts to Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz’s shock US Open exits after statement win
Reason for Carlos Alcaraz’s shock US Open exit revealed by Spanish tennis great
Draper has reached the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time with his previous best performance his run to the third round at Flushing Meadows last year.
Former British No 1 Tim Henman, though, has urged the 22-year-old to stay focused.
“We’ve looked at that section of the draw, and it has opened up,” Henman said.
“It’s just so important that he [Draper] really stays focused on his preparation and performance, and doesn’t get ahead of himself.
“They [players in this section of the draw] will all be aware this is a big opportunity.”
The 22-year-old is enjoying his best season on the ATP Tour as he won his maiden singles title, the Stuttgart Open, in June and became the British No 1 for the first time in the process.
He currently sits at a career-high No 25 and a couple more wins could see him rise into the top 20 for the first time.
Former world No 12 Feliciano Lopez feels he is great shape although the Spaniard hopes to see him more at the net in future.
“He [Draper] played a very mature and professional match, and this is the match that he needed to play,” Lopez said.
“He’s in a great position now. He’s entering the second week of a Grand Slam without losing a set, he has lost his serve only once.
“The physical condition of a player is very important and always plays an important role when it comes to Grand Slams. It’s great news he’s going to be in great shape entering the second week.
“He reached the third round last year, so this year he may be going a little bit further I think.
“I’d like to see him more at the net. I think he feels comfortable beating most of the players recently from the back of the court, but this is not the way he has to play all the time.
“He’s such a big guy, if he went to the net a little bit more, it would be so tough for his opponents to hit passing shots. He can cover the net very well.
“He has a good touch. Still a lot of improvement in his game, but he looks in a great moment in his career. I really like Jack. He looks very composed, and has settled down, and I think it’s a good sign.”
