Jack Draper in the second round of the 2022 US Open, New York
Jack Draper in the second round of the 2022 US Open, New York | (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Vienna 2024 | Draper ousts out Machac to set Musetti semi-final showdown

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Jack Draper [7] def Tomas Machac 6-3 3-6 6-1
  • Draper v Lorenzo Musetti [6] | H2H: Draper leads 2-0
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Jack Draper edged past Tomas Machac to reach the semi-finals in Vienna where he will face Lorenzo Musetti.

 

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Jack Draper [7] def Tomas Machac 6-3 3-6 6-1

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Jack Draper is into his fifth semi-final of the season after defeating Tomas Machac in Vienna. It’s the second time Draper has beaten Machac in the last two months after his US Open triumph. The British number one made an aggressive start to the match, taking the contest to Machac as he took an early 3-0 lead in the opening set.

The Czech Republican would grow into the set eventually but not until Draper created another opportunity to break in the sixth game. Machac held his ground with some effective serving and forehands to hold serve before creating his first break point opportunities of the match. There was no sign of nerves or passiveness from Draper though, saving two break points for a 5-2 lead. A 44 minute set was sealed with a love hold as the seventh seed claimed the opening set 6-3.

There was an immediate response from Machac in the second set as he used variety and power to create three break points in the second game. Despite Machac being effective at the net, Draper increased his level on the big points as he saved the break points to hold for 1-1. Then it was the Brit’s turn to seize the opportunity, taking advantage of some short Machac serves. However the Czech Republican saved the break points as he looked to reward his consistent play in the second set.

A reward would follow in the following game as he crushed some forehands against a fatigued Draper to take a 4-2 lead. Although Draper produced a late push on return it wasn’t enough with Machac having enough consistency and depth to wrap up the second set 6-3 with this match being decided by a final set.

In the final set Machac produced moments of great tennis but that wasn’t enough to trouble the consistency of Draper. The British number one displayed his athleticism and pure power as he secured a quick double break lead at 4-0.

A consolation game was secured by Machac but Draper held to love to complete another big win this season and reached the semi-finals in Vienna.

 

Jack Draper [7] v Lorenzo Musetti [6] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Jack Draper [7] v Lorenzo Musetti [6]   H2H: Draper leads 2-0    
ATP Vienna 2024 Vienna, Austria    
Indoor Hard Prize Money: €132,470
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Draper will now take on Lorenzo Musetti as the British number one looks to reach a third final of the season.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)

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H2H: Jack Draper (WR 18) Lorenzo Musetti (WR 17)
Tournament Previous Best N/A R1 (2021, 2023)
1st Serve % 58 64.4
Service Games Won % 84 80
Break Points Saved % 60.6 57.7
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 51 50.8
Break Points Converted % 44 37.2

Draper will look to continue his returning efficiency against Musetti’s serving consistency in what should be a fascinating match.

 

 

Playing Styles and Prediction

Musetti has had a good season with the Italian winning a bronze medal at the Olympics followed by consistently deep runs at tournaments. However the 22 year-old is yet to win a title this season despite being in multiple finals and now Musetti will look to change that negative trend in Vienna.

Draper will hope to rush Musetti’s backhand as the British number one will continue to dictate points on return. Meanwhile the Italian will rely on his serve and use the forehand to construct play before finishing the points on the backhand side. This should be a tough match for Draper but if the British number one continues to execute his tactics well then he should reach his first Vienna final.

Prediction: Draper in three sets.

 

 

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