By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [3] def Lorenzo Musetti [2] 4-1 4-0 4-3(3)
- Draper v Brandon Nakashima [4] | H2H: First Meeting
MILAN, ITALY – Jack Draper thrashed Lorenzo Musetti to reach the semi-finals in Milan where he will face American rising star Brandon Nakashima.
Jack Draper [3] def Lorenzo Musetti [2] 4-1 4-0 4-3(3)
Jack Draper is into the semi-finals at the Next Gen Finals after a straight sets win over Lorenzo Musetti in 58 minutes of exquisite tennis. The opening set was a tight affair but the warning signs for Musetti were there when he was forced to save three break points in the third game.
The Italian managed to hold on but couldn’t resist Draper’s incredible tennis in the next service game as a miscued forehand handed the Brit the break at 3-1. The most impressive thing about Draper’s game in this match was his defence and neutralising Musetti’s game from deep positions. The world number 41 comfortably closed out the opening set to have the advantage.
The momentum carried into the second set when Draper continued to play lights out tennis and he seized the early break on a sudden death deuce. Musetti had no response on return and was unusually inefficient in breaking down his opponents serve. Draper didn’t mind that though as he didn’t concede a point on his serve and broke for a second time to take a two set to love lead.
Musetti produced a mini-comeback in his last match against Dominic Stricker and the Italian looked to do that again here, starting the third set with a love hold. Draper continued to apply the pressure in the third game, creating two break points. However Musetti increased his level of play in the big moments to hold firm and force a third set tiebreak.
In the end though Draper produced the heavier shots in the crucial moments and Draper’s 58 minute rout was completed with an ace as he moved into the final four.
Jack Draper [3] v Brandon Nakashima [4] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [3] v Brandon Nakashima [4] | H2H: First Meeting |
| Next Gen Finals 2022 | Milan, Italy |
| Indoor Hard | Prize Money: $113,500 |
| Second on Centre Court (Not before 20:00 GMT) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Draper now faces American rising star Brandon Nakashima for a place in the final of the Next Gen Finals.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 41) | Brandon Nakashima (WR 49) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | Semi-Final (2021) |
| 1st Serve % | 58.3 | 64.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 85.3 | 84.2 |
| Break Points Saved % | 70.9 | 61.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.3 | 49.5 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.3 | 39 |
Draper will need to be aware of Nakashima’s first serve percentage and efficiency on return ahead of this semi-final match.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Nakashima has had an impressive second half of the season that has seen him become part of the world’s top 50. A title in San Diego and a second week performance at Wimbledon has seen him create a platform to build on for next season as he will look to produce better results against the big players.
Draper will look to be the aggressor in the match and dictate the majority of the points while Nakashima will look to be the defender in the match with the American looking to use his return to dictate the points on his terms. This should be a close match with this format suiting the American more but if Draper can play anywhere near the level that destroyed Musetti then he should prevail.
Prediction: Draper in four sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Next Gen Finals 2022
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