By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [6] def Vit Kopriva 6-1 5-7 6-4
- Draper v Rudolf Molleker [WC] | H2H: First Meeting
MUNICH, GERMANY – Jack Draper earned his first win in on clay this season with a three set win over Vit Kopriva on Munich and will now face wildcard Rudolf Molleker in the second round.
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Jack Draper [6] def Vit Kopriva 6-1 5-7 6-4
Jack Draper earned his first win on clay this season with a three set win over Vit Kopriva as he moved into the second round in Munich. It was a positive start for Draper, who had to deal with a two hour delay to his match as well as heavy conditions, as the Brit broke to love to take a 3-1 lead.
The sixth seed dominated play with the forehand as he played close to the lines, producing winners and forcing Kopriva behind the baseline. There was impressive movement and athleticism from Draper as the Czech Republican had no answer for Draper’s consistency from the baseline. Another break of serve was followed by a comfortable hold as the Brit took the first set in 28 minutes.
There was more dominant play from Draper in the second set as the Brit was consistent and precise in breaking Kopriva to love for a 2-1 lead. The Brit’s confidence mixed with Kopriva’s passive play saw the Brit earning more break points as he continued his aggressive play. However that’s when the world number 119 stepped up his level of play as Kopriva saved break points before breaking back for 3-3 with some powerful forehands.
As more rain approached Munich, there was also some dark clouds above Draper’s tennis as Kopriva’s confidence continued to grow. A developing feeling that the Brit’s lack of clinical finishing on break points would cost him as Kopriva continued to mix up his play and force Draper behind the baseline. Eventually Kopriva’s returning pressure would pay off as a forehand passing shot winner sealed the second set as he levelled the match at one set all.
The start of the deciding set saw both players lose their serve in a scrappy match in heavy conditions. However Draper was the more consistent player in key moments as he broke again in the third game for a 2-1 lead. The longer the match went on, the more tactically diverse Draper was as the topspin forehand from the world number 46 continued to do the damage as he took a 5-2 lead.
Despite failing to serve out the match the first time around, Draper recomposed himself as he sealed victory in the ninth game with a backhand winner.
Jack Draper [6] v Rudolf Molleker [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [6] v Rudolf Molleker [WC] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Munich 2024 | Munich, Germany |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €10,165 |
| First on Center Court (10:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now face wildcard Rudolf Molleker for a place in the Munich quarter-finals.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 46) | Rudolf Molleker (WR 179) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | R2 (2019) |
| 1st Serve % | 56.4 | 62.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.8 | 91.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 64.8 | 69.2 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.7 | 54.9 |
| Break Points Converted % | 51.3 | 54.2 |
Draper will aim to be clinical on return as Molleker has been efficient when it comes to break points this season.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Molleker has been struggling with injuries but the German has achieved some decent results this season. Now the German will aim for consistency and improvement as he looks to edge nearer to the world’s top 100.
Draper will look to dictate play on the forehand while being consistent on the backhand side as the Brit aims to make Molleker uncomfortable. Meanwhile the German will look to be dominant on serve as he will use the forehand to create efficient winners from the baseline. This should be a tough match against a motivated Molleker but Draper’s quality on the forehand should be enough to claim victory.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Munich 2024
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