By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [5] def Tommy Paul [11] 6-2 6-2
- Draper v Matteo Arnaldi | H2H: First Meeting
MADRID, SPAIN – Jack Draper thrashed Tommy Paul to move into the Madrid quarter-finals where he will face Matteo Arnaldi.
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Jack Draper [5] def Tommy Paul [11] 6-2 6-2
Jack Draper produced a statement straight sets victory over Tommy Paul to level the head-to-head and more importantly reach the quarter-finals in Madrid. After a positive and proactive start from both players on serve it was Draper who drew first blood as he produced a dominant return game to break for a 2-1 lead. There was very minimal fuss from Draper throughout the opening set, conceding only seven points on serve.
Meanwhile Paul was hesitant and stuck in two minds as he didn’t know whether to extend the rallies or be aggressive. This would ultimately cost the 11th seed with Draper continuing to be clinical on return, breaking with his second break point of the set to take a 5-2 lead. A major blow for Paul who was in control of his service game with Draper following up the break by holding to love in order to secure the opening set.
The second set was a similar story as Draper continued to capitalize on any short second serves from the American, creating two break points in the third game. Only three points were conceded by Draper on serve as he bounced back from the missed break points in style. After cruising on serve Draper secured two consecutive breaks in a row to have the chance to serve victory.
The British number one made no mistake as he cruised to victory and edged closer to the world’s top five.
Jack Draper [5] v Matteo Arnaldi H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [5] v Matteo Arnaldi | H2H: First Meeting |
| Madrid 2025 | Madrid, Spain |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €165,670 |
| Third on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium (15:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now take on surprise quarter-finalist Matteo Arnaldi for a place in the semi-finals.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 6) | Matteo Arnaldi (WR 44) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2022, 2024) | R3 (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.1 | 56.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.8 | 77.7 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61.6 | 63.2 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.1 | 48.4 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.4 | 43.2 |
Draper will need to be aggressive on serve as he coming up against a clinical returner in the form of Arnaldi.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Before this week Arnaldi had only managed to secure seven wins this season as he has been struggling for confidence. However, the world number 44 has knocked out both Novak Djokovic and Frances Tiafoe to secure his place in the quarter-finals and will now hope this can be the platform he needs to produce better results this season.
Draper will use the backhand to put Arnaldi on the back foot as he looks to dictate play on return. Meanwhile Arnaldi will be aggressive on serve as he will use variety to mix up the tempo of the rallies. This should be an entertaining contest with both players producing some red-hot tennis this week. However, Draper’s more aggressive game style should give him the advantage as he bids for a first ATP clay court semi-final.
Prediction: Draper in three sets.
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