By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [6] def Frances Tiafoe [4] 5-7 6-4 7-6(1)
- Draper v Brandon Nakashima | H2H: Nakashima leads 1-0
STUTTGART, GERMANY – Jack Draper held his nerve to outlast defending champion Frances Tiafoe in a last set tiebreak and now takes on Brandon Nakashima in the Stuttgart semi-finals.
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Jack Draper [6] def Frances Tiafoe [4] 5-7 6-4 7-6(1)
Jack Draper held his nerve to reach the Stuttgart semi-finals after winning a last set tiebreak against defending champion Frances Tiafoe. It was a serving masterclass from Draper as the sixth seed hit 31 aces in the match. This match was all about the serve and that was evident from the start of the match as both players saved break point in the early stages.
There was also good touch at the net from both players as there were no signs of either player looking to be passive. As the set went on both players looked to vary up their tactics as Draper used the slice in order to make American overcommit in his positioning. The tactic worked at times but not consistently enough as Tiafoe showed great athleticism to cover the ground well.
In the end the opening set was decided by who would be able to take the most risks on the big points. That ended up being Tiafoe as the defending champion took control of the match with some sensational forehands securing the break for a 6-5 lead. The American had to survive a tough service game but Tiafoe grinded out the hold as a Draper fired a backhand long as it was the fourth seed who took the first set.
The sixth seed had a lot to be frustrated about as he had time to think about his strategy as the rain came with Draper taking the 2-1 lead in the second set. That extra thinking time seemed to work as the Brit came out with more variety and more aggression on the forehand as he aimed to prevent Tiafoe from coming into the net.
The American managed to match Draper’s intensity for large parts of the set despite Draper’s slick net skills and incredible movement to get to Tiafoe’s drop shots. However Draper’s persistent pressure paid off as in the tenth game he made some incredible forehands and a stunning forehand down the line passing shot winner sealed the break as well as the second set.
As expected, the final set was too close to call as both players continued to execute their gameplan on serve. There was good intensity on the forehand from Draper while Tiafoe continued to play the role of counter-puncher effectively, exposing space on the court to hit winners into. Throughout the set Draper’s energy and attacking approach earned him the more rewards as he created match point towards the end of the set.
However some clutch serving from Tiafoe saw the American hold serve with a tiebreak to decide this match. The Draper serve and forehand was not to be denied though as the Brit hit a flurry of aces in a row and returned Tiafoe’s serve with easy to win seven of the eight points and seal a place into the last four.
Jack Draper [6] v Brandon Nakashima H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [6] v Brandon Nakashima | H2H: Nakashima leads 1-0 |
| ATP Stuttgart 2024 | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €38,335 |
| First on Center Court (11:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will take on Brandon Nakashima as the Brit looks to reach his third career ATP final.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 40) | Brandon Nakashima (WR 70) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 57.4 | 63.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.6 | 88.2 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.4 | 66.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.6 | 45.4 |
| Break Points Converted % | 47 | 29.5 |
Draper will aim to continue his immaculate serving as he is coming up against a player who is just as efficient on serve as he is.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Nakashima has had an improved season as he makes his way back up the rankings. The American will fancy his chances of doing well over the next few weeks as his big serve and athleticism is made for this time of year. Another deep run at Wimbledon should catapulte him back up to the world’s top 50 as he could get closer to a potential seeding at the US Open.
Draper will aim to continue his impressive serving as he will need to use variety to set up his big forehand as he will need to continue his efficient play at the net. Meanwhile Nakashima will use the angles to force Draper into bold passages of play allowing the American to expose the empty space. The Brit will enter this match as slight favourite but this is by no means an easy match given the American’s efficient serving.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Stuttgart 2024
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