By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [6] def Marcos Giron 6-4 3-6 6-3
- Draper v Frances Tiafoe [4] | H2H: Tiafoe leads 1-0
STUTTGART, GERMANY – Jack Draper came through a close match with Marcos Giron in Stuttgart to reach the quarter-finals where he will face Frances Tiafoe.
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Jack Draper [6] def Marcos Giron 6-4 3-6 6-3
Jack Draper is into his fourth ATP quarter-final of the season after a three set win over Marcos Giron. The Brit started the match well but had to overcome an aggressive return game from the American in the second game with the world number 40 displaying some powerful serving to hold.
There was some good baseline play from Draper, who used the angles to force Giron into wide positions allowing Draper to approach the net. A sizzling return game secured the break for the British number two as he took a 3-2 lead as Giron was left frustrated by some poor serving. More returning pressure was created by Draper but to minimal success as Giron forced the Brit to close out the opening set. Close out the first set is what Draper did as he held to love to seal the opening set 6-4.
In the second set there was more pressure from Draper on return as some incredible athleticism allowed him to execute some incredible passing shots. However to the Brit’s frustration, Giron was still allowed time to pick his spots and be effective from the net as the American saved five break points in the fifth game.
So often this season Draper’s weakness has been his lack of efficiency on return in the big moments and once again the Brit paid for that as Giron gained more confidence in the match. The Brit started to miss first serves as Giron increased the intensity on return as he charged into the net to finish points off quickly. The tactical adjustment paid off as Giron broke to take a 5-3 lead before sealing the second set after Draper hit a backhand return into the net.
The 22 year-old needed to get back to basics in the final set and that’s what he did as he stepped into his backhand in order to finish off points at the net. That pattern of play allowed Draper to break before consolidating for a 3-0 lead. Both players had break points in the following games but it was Draper’s effective construction of points and approaches to the net that proved to be the crucial factor in the end.
Another winner at the net sealed a hard-fought victory for Draper as he moves into his first Stuttgart quarter-final.
Jack Draper [6] v Frances Tiafoe [4] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [6] v Frances Tiafoe [4] | H2H: Tiafoe leads 1-0 |
| ATP Stuttgart 2024 | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €22,215 |
| First on Center Court (10:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now face fourth seed and defending champion Frances Tiafoe with the American also reaching his fourth quarter-final of the season.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 40) | Frances Tiafoe (WR 28) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Champion (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 57.4 | 57.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.6 | 81 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.4 | 62.3 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.6 | 48.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 47 | 32.9 |
Tiafoe has been very underwhelming on return this season and Draper will look to take advantage of that as he aims to continue his consistent efficiency on serve.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Tiafoe has had a poor season so far once again as the American hasn’t won back-to-back-matches since Houston in April. The American’s lack of aggression on return as well as poor body language has lead to Tiafoe’s underwhelming year so far and a big week awaits Tiafoe as failure to reach the final could see the American out of the seeding positions ahead of Wimbledon.
Draper will continue to take the backhand early as he will need to dictate the tempo of the rallies by being the first player to approach the net. Meanwhile Tiafoe will look for depth on the forehand side as he will use the drop shot to test Draper’s athleticism. As defending champion, the American has a slight advantage heading into this match but given the American’s lack of confidence it would be no surprise to see Draper pull of an incredible result as this is a big match on the road to Wimbledon.
Prediction: Tiafoe in three sets.
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