By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [5] def Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-4
- Draper v Vit Kopriva [Q] | H2H: Draper leads 1-0
ROME, ITALY – Jack Draper cruised past Luciano Darderi in straight sets to continue his recent clay court momentum and will now face Vit Kopriva in Rome.
 |
|---|
Jack Draper [5] def Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-4
Jack Draper is into the third round in Rome as his clay court season continues to get stronger after defeating Luciano Darderi in straight sets. Taking on an Italian in Rome is not easy but the British number one made it look effortless in the opening stages, producing winners consistently. It was a perfect start for Draper who took the opening eight points before Darderi won his only game of the set in the third game.
The Italian started the clay court season well having won the title in Marrakech but has struggling for confidence since then and that was evident as Draper was clinical on return. The British number one was in particular deadly on the forehand as he converted both of his break points to take the opening set 6-1 with Darderi having a lot of work to do on his second serve.
In the second set, Darderi improved significantly as he survived tough games on serve and was more aggressive on the big points on return. After having a break point saved in the third game, Darderi increased the pressure later on in the set as he saw a chance to attack Draper’s second serve. The world number five was forced to save four break points as he couldn’t maintain his high level on serve from the first set.
Despite Draper lacking consistent concentration at times, the Brit knew when to raise his game and he did just that as he held for a 4-3 lead. That didn’t ease the pressure off completely as Draper faced another break point in the ninth game but continued to show why he is one of the most confident players on the tour, holding for 5-4.
After sustaining so much pressure in the second set, Draper was lacking a clinical edge of his own on return. However, Draper found it when he needed it most as he cruised to a break of serve in the tenth game to secure his place in the third round.
Jack Draper [5] v Vit Kopriva [Q] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [5] v Vit Kopriva [Q] | H2H: Draper leads 1-0 |
| Rome 2025 | Rome, Italy |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €52,925 |
| Third on SuperTennis Arena (13:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now face qualifier Vit Kopriva in a repeat of their match in Munich last year which the Brit won.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 5) | Vit Kopriva (WR 92) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2024) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 60.4 | 62.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 85.2 | 73.8 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61.7 | 56.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.7 | 54.3 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.6 | 48.3 |
Draper will aim to be aggressive on serve as the Brit looks to rush Kopriva’s clinical and precise returning.
 |
|---|
Playing Styles and Prediction
Kopriva has had an impressive last couple of months as he has won Challengers and qualified for Masters 1000 events. A tight win over Sebastian Baez will give him confidence heading into the rest of the clay court season as he will have nothing to lose for the rest of the tournament.
Draper will aim to be aggressive on the backhand side as he looks to rush Kopriva’s play. Meanwhile Kopriva will be attacking on the big points, aiming to force Draper into errors. Although the Czech Republican is a very good clay court player, Draper will not allow him time on the ball to play his game with the Brit having too much quality for the crafty qualifier.
Prediction: Draper in straight sets.
How to Watch/Follow Rome 2025
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |