By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [6] def Rudolf Molleker [WC] 4-6 6-1 6-1
- Draper v Taylor Fritz [3] | H2H: Draper leads 1-0
MUNICH, GERMANY – Jack Draper ousted out Rudolf Molleker in order to reach the Munich quarter-finals where he will face third seed Taylor Fritz.
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Jack Draper [6] def Rudolf Molleker [WC] 4-6 6-1 6-1
Jack Draper is into the quarter-finals in Munich after defeating Rudolf Molleker in three sets. It was a confident start from Draper on serve in wet and heavy conditions as he anticipated the German’s patterns of play well in order to hit some effective passing shots.
However Molleker matched Draper’s level well with some heavy forehands and it was the German who sealed the opening break after the Brit’s miscued forehand landed beyond the baseline as Molleker took a 3-2 lead. The sixth seed regained his confidence quickly but it was too little too late as Molleker continued to hammer down the serves and nullifying Draper’s attack. A forehand winner secured the opening set for Molleker in 38 minutes.
In the second set Draper was more patient as he waited for his opportunities to strike and hit aggressive shots. That patience paid off for Draper as he broke for a 3-1 lead with an approach to the net and that was the start of a dominant display from the Brit. The sun came out and so did Draper’s tennis as he was confident and aggressive, using variety to catch Molleker off-guard. Another break of serve ensured control of the match as Draper closed out the second set with this match going to a deciding set.
There was more dominance from Draper in the deciding set as the German struggled to hit through the Brit’s dynamic defence. The world number 46 broke on three occasions in the final set and sealed victory on his third match point with a forehand winner as he advanced into the quarter-finals in Munich.
Jack Draper [6] v Taylor Fritz [3] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [6] v Taylor Fritz [3] | H2H: Draper leads 1-0 |
| ATP Munich 2024 | Munich, Germany |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: $17,510 |
| First on Center Court (10:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
A tough task awaits Draper in the last eight as he faces third seed Taylor Fritz who is in desperate need of wins in Munich this week.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 46) | Taylor Fritz (WR 15) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Semi-Final (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 56.4 | 61.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.8 | 86.2 |
| Break Points Saved % | 64.8 | 67.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.7 | 51.3 |
| Break Points Converted % | 51.3 | 38.1 |
Draper will aim to continue his clinical returning against an out-of-form Fritz who has proven to be consistent on his serve in the past.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Fritz has failed to capitalize on his title in Delray Beach back in February as he had suffered three consecutive defeats heading into Munich. Now the American will look to regain his confidence and serving stability as he aims for consistency heading into Roland Garros.
Draper will aim to take advantage of Fritz’s serving vulnerability as the Brit hopes to continue his efficiency and aggressiveness on return. Meanwhile the American will look to use depth and variety in order to frustrate Draper as Fritz aims to dictate the rallies with the backhand. This is a match between two players who are not comfortable on clay but Draper’s recent confidence makes him slight favourite for this match.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
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