By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper def Miomir Kecmanovic [5] 6-4 7-5
- Draper v Francisco Cerundolo [4] | H2H: First Meeting
LYON, FRANCE – Jack Draper is into the quarter-finals in Lyon after a straight sets win over Miomir Kecmanovic and now faces in-form Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo.
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Jack Draper def Miomir Kecmanovic [5] 6-4 7-5
Jack Draper is into the quarter-finals in Lyon after a straight sets win over fifth seed Miomir Kecmanovic. It was Kecmanovic who started the match better, producing more consistent shot-making from the baseline and dictating the tempo of the points. Draper made a few errors to start the match and would pay for his inconsistency as the Serb broke in the third game for a 2-1 lead.
However as the set went on Draper found his confidence on return and began to construct more effective points to implement his powerful forehand more efficiently. The world number 60 tested Kecmanovic’s resolve in the sixth game with some consistent returning and smart baseline shot-making.
The Serb passed the first test with power and a high level of defensive skills to hold for 4-2 but that would be Kecmanovic’s last game of the set as Draper turned up the intensity towards the end of the set. Draper continued his impressive consistency and decision-making as he secured four games in a row and two consecutive breaks of serve to seal the opening set in 44 minutes.
Draper carried the momentum into the second set, holding his serve with maximum efficiency as Kecmanovic matched his intensity on serve. Kecmanovic would produce moments of great baseline play but ultimately produced nothing consistent to threaten a break of serve. Meanwhile Draper did show consistency on return but for the majority of the set couldn’t take his chances and seal that crucial break of serve.
It was looking increasingly likely that the second set was heading for a tiebreak as both players eased through their service games. Eventually, it was Draper who was able to put an impressive return game together as he applied pressure on Kecmanovic’s serve in the twelfth game.
The Serb faltered with Draper converting his second match point as he sealed a place in the last eight in Lyon.
Jack Draper v Francisco Cerundolo [4] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper v Francisco Cerundolo [4] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Lyon 2023 | Lyon, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €17,010 |
| First on Court Centrale at 11am (10am BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Draper will now face in-form Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo for the first time as a place in the semi-finals is up for grabs.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 60) | Francisco Cerundolo (WR 28) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | R2 (2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.1 | 66.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 82.4 | 76.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 66.3 | 61.5 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.7 | 51.4 |
| Break Points Converted % | 41.9 | 40.8 |
Draper’s will look to be more consistent on serve as he takes on the clinical and effective returning of Cerundolo.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Cerundolo has had a good clay season having beaten Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner over the last few weeks with the Argentinian hitting form at the right time. Now Cerundolo would love to seal his Roland Garros preparations with a title in Lyon as he looks to convert his impressive performances into silverware.
Draper will look to be consistent from the baseline and will look to use the angles to test Cerundolo’s power from different positions from the court. Cerundolo will look to remain patient in the rallies and use depth to neutralise the power of Draper as he aims for a first semi-final of the season. This will be a good test of Draper’s physicality and consistency as Cerundolo is a resilient player who never gives up. However Draper’s returning has been clinical so far and that should give him the edge in a match like this where opportunities may be limited.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Lyon 2023
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