Jack Draper has become the second British man in history to reach the final of a Masters 1000 event on both hardcourt and clay after battling past Lorenzo Musetti at the Madrid Open.
The world No.6 was forced to dig deep during his tricky 6-3, 7-6(4), win over the Italian in an encounter that lasted nearly two hours. Draper produced a total of 20 winners against 19 unforced errors and won 78% of his first service points. He now leads Musetti 4-0 in their ATP head-to-head and is yet to drop a set against him in their rivalry.
“I thought the level was really high from both of us,” Draper told Sky Sports Tennis.
“I played Lorenzo throughout the juniors and it’s always been tough battles.
“He’s a different animal on the clay, but also he’s grown a lot in the last, however long since I played him.
“It was a really good challenge. It was just really high level on this court and in this stage of the tournament.”
At the start of the semi-final, Draper got off to a dream start by breaking Musetti two consecutive times. Giving him enough of a margin to seal the opener in exactly 50 minutes. However, in the second frame, Musetti produced glimmers of his best tennis and had a break point opportunity to move ahead 5-3 but failed to convert.
Heading into the tiebreaker, it was a single point that proved decisive. At 2-2, Musetti hit a cross-court forehand that went wide to hand Draper a mini-break. Closing in on victory, he triumphed on his first match point by hitting a clean backhand winner at the net.
“I was just trying to stay present. I had a chance. He had one little chance,” the British No.1 commented on closing the match out.
“I was looking at my coach because sometimes in those big moments, I was going a little bit passive and at this level against that kind of opponent he’s not going to let you off the hook.
“I thought I did a great job, especially in the end, changing tactically, maybe serve-volleying a little bit more. Trying to be offensive and be on the front foot.”
Draper is through to his second Masters final in the Spanish capital without dropping a set in the tournament so far. He also made the final in Indian Wells where he defeated Holger Rune to claim the biggest title of his career so far. He joins Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski as the only British players to have reached multiple finals at these events. However, Draper and Murray are the only ones to have done so on both clay and hardcourts.
Meanwhile, Musetti exits the tournament knowing he will break into the world’s top 10 next week for the first time in his career. After producing wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alex de Minaur, he will be hoping to continue his surge in form at his home tournament in Rome.
Next up for Draper will be a showdown against Casper Ruud in what will be their first encounter on the ATP Tour. Ruud, who is a three-time Grand Slam finalist, defeated Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5, earlier in the day.
“That match is going to be a real, real challenge for me but I’m ready,” Draper stated.
“After playing someone like Lorenzo, I’m ready for that challenge.
“Physically, I feel good. It gives you confidence when you come through these sorts of matches.”
Draper, who will crack the top five on Monday, has won 23 out of his last 25 matches against players outside the top 10. As a result of his latest victory, he has moved into second place in the ATP Race to Turin.
