By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper def Thanasi Kokkinakis [Q] 6-3 3-6 7-5
- Draper v Hubert Hurkacz [8] | H2H: Hurkacz leads 3-1
MADRID, SPAIN – Jack Draper survived a big test from Thanasi Kokkinakis to reach the second round in Madrid where he will face Hubert Hurkacz.
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Jack Draper def Thanasi Kokkinakis [Q] 6-3 3-6 7-5
Jack Draper is into the second round in Madrid after edging past Thanasi Kokkinakis in a three set battle. It was a dominant start from Draper who produced some powerful and aggressive shot-making to break in the second game and eventually take a 3-0 lead with Kokkinakis being pinned behind the baseline.
There was a good response from Kokkinakis on serve but Draper was always one step ahead of the qualifier as he came into the net to shorten the points. After a few powerful forehands, Draper stepped up his game to another level as he used the altitude to accelerate the speed of his shots. A good mixture of depth and pace allowed the Brit to dominate as he took the opening set in 37 minutes.
In the second set both players continued to play freely behind the baseline with Draper continuing his confident hitting. However Kokkinakis was starting to grow into the match especially on the forehand as he was starting to rush Draper’s attacking play.
After a trio of love service holds, it was Kokkinakis who would increase his intensity on return as he took advantage of a poor service game from Draper to break for a 4-2 lead. There was a late renaissance from Draper in the last return game as Kokkinakis was feeling the scoreboard pressure. However an ace saw Kokkinakis fend off the Draper pressure to seal the second set with the match level at one set all.
In the final set both players served with confidence as there were some powerful exchanges from the baseline with both players going toe-to-toe. The Australian was the first to ramp up the pressure on return with Draper having to save break point in the seventh game. However Draper rose to the occasion, holding serve and playing with freedom for the rest of the set.
The deciding factor took place in the twelfth game as Kokkinakis gave Draper a few opportunities on return. That was an invitation Draper couldn’t resist as the Brit executed a well-timed approach with a backhand volley winner to seal the break and the match which means he is into the second round in Madrid.
Jack Draper v Hubert Hurkacz [8] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper v Hubert Hurkacz [8] | H2H: Hurkacz leads 3-1 |
| Madrid 2024 | Madrid, Spain |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €30,255 |
| Third on Stadium Three (13:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper now looks for revenge against Hubert Hurkacz in Madrid with the Pole winning their last meeting a couple of weeks ago in Monte-Carlo in a last set tiebreak.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 43) | Hubert Hurkacz (WR 9) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2022) | Quarter-Final (2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 58.2 | 64.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 82.4 | 89.8 |
| Break Points Saved % | 62.3 | 66.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.9 | 48 |
| Break Points Converted % | 50.4 | 36.4 |
Draper’s efficient and accurate returning will be put to the test against the consistency and quality of Hurkacz’s serving.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Hurkacz has had a terrific start to the clay court season and has continued to prove that he is more than competent on the red dirt despite his big serving. Now the 27 year-old aims for a deep run in Madrid in conditions that should suit his game.
Draper will aim to use the forehand to open up the space while defending Hurkacz’s aggressive play with his backhand. Meanwhile the world number nine will aim to be consistent on serve, approaching the net to finish off points efficiently. Conditions should make Hurkacz favourite but the Brit is more than capable of testing the Pole to his limits as shown a couple of weeks ago in Monaco.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
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