By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [6] def Brandon Nakashima 6-3 6-3
- Draper v Matteo Berrettini [PR] | H2H: First Meeting
STUTTGART, GERMANY – Jack Draper edged towards a Wimbledon seeding with a straight sets win over Brandon Nakashima and will now play former champion Matteo Berrettini in the final.
 |
|---|
Jack Draper [6] def Brandon Nakashima 6-3 6-3
Jack Draper is into his third career ATP final after a straight sets win over Brandon Nakashima. The Brit produced another serving masterclass as Draper won 94% of his first service points, neutralizing Nakashima’s effective baseline game. The sixth seed dominated from the first game as he put Nakashima under pressure, attacking the net and creating break point.
However, there was a reaction from the American as he produced some impressive serving and secured some backhand winners to hold and formed some attacking patterns of play of his own on return. The forehand of Draper was the main weapon that caused Nakashima problems as the Brit targeted most of his shots cross-court in order to create angles as well as forcing the American out of position.
The main shot for Nakashima was the backhand down-the-line and the American used that multiple times in order to pin Draper behind the baseline. The use of depth and pace allowed Nakashima to force errors from the Brit but that spell didn’t last long.
The world number 40 used depth and charged into the net in order to secure the crucial break for a 4-3 lead. A confident Draper covered the ground at lightening speed as he secured a third consecutive game to take the opening set 6-3 as Nakashima was unable to break through the Brit’s stubborn defence.
Precision, pace and tactical strength from Draper was on show as he continued the momentum in the second set, hitting effortless winners from the baseline. Although Nakashima did his best to match the Brit, Draper continued to pull away on serve as he continued to dominate on the first serve. There was more success gained from Draper at the net as he continued to dictate the tempo of the match as he was aggressive and proactive on return.
That strategy paid off as Draper’s persistent pressure on return paid off as he broke in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead. That was the vital blow as Draper sealed victory with his 13th ace in the match and moved into his third ATP final of his career.
Jack Draper [6] v Matteo Berrettini [PR] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [6] v Matteo Berrettini [PR] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Stuttgart 2024 | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €65,205/€111,785 |
| Second on Centre Court (Not before 12:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now need to get past former champion and former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini if the Brit wants to win his maiden ATP title.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 40) | Matteo Berrettini (WR 95) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Champion (2019, 2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 57.4 | 69.6 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.6 | 85.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.4 | 71.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.6 | 45.4 |
| Break Points Converted % | 47 | 39.6 |
Draper’s returning intelligence, control and patience will be put to the test against the powerful and efficient serving of Berrettini.
 |
|---|
Playing Styles and Prediction
Berrettini has had some good results since his comeback from injury but once again has failed to maintain his fitness. After reaching the final at the Pheonix Challenger and in Marrakech, Berrettini has failed to event play big events or produce big wins at those events. Now the Italian aims to make a statement on his best surface as he looks for a first title in two years.
Draper will continue to dominate the play with the forehand as he aims to keep up his aggressive serving while being patient on return. Meanwhile Berrettini will look to dominate on his first serve as he will set up most of his play on the forehand and target Draper’s backhand. This will be a good match with the most efficient on serve winning this match. The Brit will hope he can win a first ATP title but Berrettini is a machine in Stuttgart and will enter this match as slight favourite.
Prediction: Berrettini in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Stuttgart 2024
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
 Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
|---|
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |