By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [WC] def Ryan Peniston [WC] 6-3 6-3
- Draper v Maxime Cressy | H2H: First meeting
EASTBOURNE, ENGLAND – Jack Draper defeated a valiant Ryan Peniston in the all-British quarter-final to set up a semi-final meeting with Maxime Cressy, who defeated Cameron Norrie.
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Jack Draper [WC] def Ryan Peniston [WC] 6-3 6-3
Jack Draper reached the semi-finals at Eastbourne with a straight sets win over fellow Brit Ryan Peniston. Peniston defeated Pedro Martinez in their delayed second round match earlier in the day and the world number 147 took the momentum from that into the quarter-final as he broke serve to start the match.
Penistin’s confidence showed in the early exchanges as he was winning the majority of the baseline rallies and dictating the tempo of the match. Eventually though Draper worked his way into the match with a mix of power and finesse as he earned the break back in the fourth game to level the set at 2-2. Both players were showing attacking and clinical shot-making while producing deadly defensive work in transition.
Eventually though it was Draper who was the wiser on return and took advantage of a lack of intensity from Peniston. Draper broke in the eighth game for a 5-3 and comfortably served out the opening set in 32 minutes.
The second set saw more depth from Peniston and better use of the court as he produced wide angles to force his opponent out of position. After losing a tight second game on return, Peniston would break in his next return game producing some exquisite shot-making as he took a 3-1 lead.
From there though Draper stepped up his level of play producing consistent power and immaculate defensive shots and despite Peniston’s best efforts couldn’t resist Draper’s power. The world number 108 secured the break back on his fifth break point in the next game and would go on a run of five games in a row, losing just two points, to secure a place in a first ATP semi-final.
Jack Draper [WC] v Maxime Cressy H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [WC] v Maxime Cressy | H2H: First meeting |
| ATP Eastbourne | Eastbourne, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €21,080 |
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Draper will now play Brit-giant killer Maxime Cressy in his maiden ATP semi-final after the big-serving American beat Dan Evans and produced a 7-5 7-5 win over top seed Cameron Norrie in his quarter-final.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 108) | Maxime Cressy (WR 60) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 57.2 | 64.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 85.7 | 88.4 |
| Break Points Saved % | 72.1 | 70.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.5 | 42.5 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.6 | 43.6 |
Draper will have to overcome the efficient and effective serving of Cressy and use his power on return if he wants to reach a first final.
Playing Styles and Prediction
After a disappointing last few months, it’s all starting to come together for Cressy as he reaches his first semi-final since the 250 event in Melbourne at the start of the year. The American’s serve and volley style has proven too strong for some of the best returners on the tour and will believe he can take the trophy home this week.
Draper will need to serve well and use good anticipation skills to neutralise the American’s aggressive net game. The Brit will need to have deep but powerful ground strokes and be prepared to mix his tactics up at the net. This will be a tough but valuable test for Draper ahead of Wimbledon but could come up short against a confident opponent.
Prediction: Cressy in three sets.
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