Jack Draper attributed his breakthrough victory over Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s to the confidence gained from winning his first ATP title. The new British men’s number one secured a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win against the defending champion Alcaraz in the second round.
The 22-year-old Draper, who recently won his first ATP title at the Stuttgart Open, showcased remarkable composure against the 21-year-old Spaniard. Alcaraz saved three match points at 5-2, but Draper served out from 0-30 to the delight of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Reflecting on his recent success, Draper said, “There was such a bee in my bonnet about winning an ATP event. To get the title last week set me free of negative emotions and a lot of the pressure I’ve been putting on myself.”
This victory over world number two Alcaraz, who won the French Open earlier this month, marked the biggest win of Draper’s career by ranking. Additionally, Draper ended Alcaraz’s 13-match winning streak on grass.
Draper, who was confirmed as the leading British player on the men’s tour on Monday, commented on his newfound calmness, saying, “Coming to Queen’s for a home tournament, being British number one, you would think would put more stress on my shoulders – but it is the opposite. I feel calm and relaxed because I know I’m doing the right things. I trust in my tennis and know I’m going to be tough to beat.”
With this win, Draper extended his winning run to seven matches and will face American fifth seed Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals on Friday.
