By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper def Karen Khachanov [3] 6-4 7-6(3)
- Draper v Soonwoo Kwon [LL] | H2H: Draper leads 1-0
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – Jack Draper earned his revenge over Karen Khachanov to reach the semi-finals in Adelaide where he will face Soonwoo Kwon.
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Jack Draper def Karen Khachanov [3] 6-4 7-6(3)
Jack Draper is into the semi-finals in Adelaide after gaining revenge on Karen Khachanov after last week’s defeat. The Brit knew he had to be more aggressive than he was last week if he was to reach the last four and that’s exactly what Draper was as a stunning return game in the third game concluded with a break of serve for a 2-1 lead.
The Brit kept his composure in the big points as he fended off waves of Khachanov’s aggressive returning strategy. The third seed had break point in the sixth game but was denied by a ruthless Draper, who was convincing on serve as he took the opening set in 39 minutes.
In the second set Draper continued to be aggressive and ruthless as he was consistent with his power from the baseline. After two break points came and went in the third game, Draper was clinical in the next return game as he broke for a 3-2 lead. As the finishing line drew closer, Draper reigned in his power more allowing Khachanov to dictate the tempo on return.
When serving for the match Draper conceded the break as Khachanov started to find his range on return as the set was levelled at 5-5. In the end though Draper was efficient and clinical as he dominated the tiebreak to secure a spot in the semi-finals and a huge psychological boost ahead of the Australian Open.
Jack Draper v Soonwoo Kwon [LL] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper v Soonwoo Kwon [LL] | H2H: Draper leads 1-0 |
| ATP Adelaide 2 2023 | Adelaide, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $33,525 |
| Third on Centre Court (Not before 05:30 GMT) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7 day free trial of Discovery+ Player |
Draper will now face Soonwoo Kwon in the last four with their only previous meeting happening last week which Draper won.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 40) | Soonwoo Kwon (WR 84) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | R2 (2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 58.3 | 59.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 85.5 | 76.8 |
| Break Points Saved % | 71.1 | 61.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.6 | 50.5 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.7 | 40.8 |
Draper will need to be aware of Kwon’s strong returning qualities as the Brit’s serve gives him a slight advantage heading into this match.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After being knocked out by Draper last week, Kwon has responded well and taken advantage of his lucky loser spot in this week’s draw. Kwon’s sharp skillset from the baseline and ability to turn defence into attack makes him a dangerous player to play against deep into a tournament.
Draper will look to implement a similar game-plan to last week, using his power and serve to dictate most of the rallies. Kwon will look to extend the rallies and make the Brit work as hard as possible from the baseline. This will be a tough match given it’s a semi-final but Draper has a golden opportunity to make an ATP final before the Australian Open.
Prediction: Draper in straight sets.
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