Britain’s Rising Star Shines at ATP Finals
On a sun-drenched afternoon in Stuttgart, Britain’s rising tennis star Jack Draper etched his name into the ATP Finals record books, securing his third career final appearance, and his first on the grass courts. The 22-year-old sixth seed navigated past unseeded American Brandon Nakashima with consummate ease, firing 13 aces and 35 winners in a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory.
Draper’s path to the final saw him overcome the defending champion, Frances Tiafoe of the USA, in the quarter-finals, further cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour. Now, the young Briton will face his toughest challenge yet, as he prepares to take on former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in Sunday’s title clash.
The Italian, seeded fifth, swiftly dispatched compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in just 65 minutes, securing a commanding 6-4, 6-0 victory to book his spot in the final. Berrettini, a two-time former champion in Stuttgart, acknowledged the threat posed by Draper, stating, “He has been serving brilliantly, so it is going to be a match of serving tomorrow. Good luck to Jack, but I will try to beat him.“
Regardless of the outcome, Draper’s remarkable run in Stuttgart has already reaped significant rewards. The Briton is set to climb to a career-high ranking of 32nd in the world, and will be confirmed as the new British number one, surpassing the likes of Cameron Norrie. A triumph on Sunday would mark Draper’s first ATP singles title, further solidifying his status as one of the rising stars in men’s tennis.
As the stage is set for a tantalizing grass-court clash, Tennis enthusiasts can expect a thrilling finale that showcases the best of the sport’s burgeoning talents.
🔗 Source
