By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [5] def Matteo Berrettini [30] 7-6(2) RET
- Draper v Tommy Paul [11] | H2H: Paul leads 3-2
MADRID, SPAIN – Jack Draper is into the fourth round in Madrid after Matteo Berrettini’s retirement and will now renew his rivalry with Tommy Paul.
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Jack Draper [5] def Matteo Berrettini [30] 7-6(2) RET
Jack Draper is into the fourth round in Madrid after Matteo Berrettini retired after the opening set. The Italian was struggling with an abdominal injury that he suffered in the previous round but made the perfect start by breaking Draper’s serve in the opening game. The British number one grew into the match but was struggling on return in the opening stages against the effective serve and hitting of Berrettini.
As the set went on, Draper started to find his range and confidence as Berrettini struggled to maintain his high level on serve. Some crucial errors on second serve saw Draper comfortably break back in the sixth game but the British number one still had work to do. That’s because the fifth seed was facing another break point against his serve in the following game as he struggled to be authoritative in the contest.
The Brit survived that test on his serve and then ramped up the intensity on return, creating a combined four set points in two separate return games. However, Draper was rather inefficient and Berrettini came up with some huge first serves to force a first set tiebreak. The result though was academic as Berrettini was clearly struggling and Draper won seven of the nine points to win the set and ultimately the match with the Italian forced to retire.
After the match Draper sympathised with Berrettini and believes he is slowly improving on clay.
“I think he said his abs were pulling,” Draper commented about Berrettini’s injury on the ATP website.
“I’ve had injuries in the past. I believe he might have done it in his last match, so credit to him for coming out here and putting on a good first set. I saw his energy was a bit low in general. Matteo is normally a very positive player, so it’s always tough to see a friend having an injury.
“It’s plagued him a lot, myself as well, so I know how he feels. I hope he’s able to come back for Rome and I wish him all the best. He’s a great guy.
“I’m feeling better and better. Obviously the more matches I play, the more chances I get to play at the highest level on this surface is key for me. To keep learning, to get better and better. I’m feeling good, honestly. I’m trying to learn which shots to play at the right time and all that kind of thing… I really want to be a really good clay-court player.
“Hopefully I’ll get there. Maybe I won’t, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
Jack Draper [5] v Tommy Paul [11] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [5] v Tommy Paul [11] | H2H: Paul leads 3-2 |
| Madrid 2025 | Madrid, Spain |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €90,445 |
| Second on Manolo Santana Stadium (Not before 15:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now renew his rivalry with Tommy Paul as a spot in the quarter-finals is up for grabs.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 6) | Tommy Paul (WR 12) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2022, 2024) | R3 (2024) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.4 | 61.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.9 | 82.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 60.8 | 65.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51 | 53.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 41 | 43.4 |
Draper will aim to be consistently aggressive on serve as he aims to neutralise the returning efficiency of Paul.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
It was a good start to the season for Paul as the American reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open with semi-finals in Adelaide and Dallas backing that up. However, Paul would have liked to improve his results even if they have been consistent with the motivation being to regain his place in the world’s top ten. Now the American will look to do that with Roland Garros approaching.
Draper will aim to be aggressive on serve, using the backhand to accelerate the pace of the rallies while using the drop shot to test Paul’s athleticism. Meanwhile Paul will aim to take the ball early on return and pounce on any short second serves. This will be a good match and this is a good chance for Draper to see where his clay court game is heading into Roland Garros.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
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