Jack Draper has continued his recent surge in form on the Tour by defeating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets at the Japan Open in Tokyo.
Draper, who is unseeded in the draw, produced a solid 6-4, 6-4, win over the world No.8 who had beaten him in four out of their five previous meetings. The world No.20 didn’t drop serve throughout the entire match as he hit a total of 27 winners against 20 unforced errors. It is the first time a British man has reached the last eight in Tokyo since Andy Murray in 2012.
“I was pleased with a lot of things today,” Draper said. “I thought my attitude was really good. I got myself out of some tough situations and played the pretty big points on my terms, and that’s something that I’ve wanted to do.
“I know Hubert, I know when he gets time on the ball, he’s so dangerous, probably the best server in the world right now.So, I’m really happy with my composure, the way I approached the game, and hopefully I can carry this momentum forwards.”
It is only the fifth time in Draper’s career that he has beaten a top 10 player and it is the fourth time he has done so on a hardcourt. The triumph follows his breakout run at the US Open where he reached the semi-finals before losing to Jannik Sinner. His win-loss record for the season currently stands at 32-20.
Draper will next play either Brandon Nakashima or Ugo Humbert.
Also through to the last eight is defending champion Ben Shelton who defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4, in his second round match. Shelton is bidding to become the first man to win back-to-back Tokyo titles since Pete Sampras who did so in 1993 and 1994. He will next play either Arthur Fils or Matteo Berrettini.
The American is one of three seeded players remaining in the draw. The other two are Tommy Paul and Holger Rune who will play their next matches tomorrow.
