By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [5] def Corentin Moutet 1-6 6-4 6-3
- Draper v Carlos Alcaraz [3] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 3-2
ROME, ITALY – Jack Draper ousted out Corentin Moutet in three sets to reach the Rome quarter-finals where he will face Carlos Alcaraz.
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Jack Draper [5] def Corentin Moutet 1-6 6-4 6-3
Jack Draper made it an eighth win in his last nine matches as he overcame a tough test against Corentin Moutet to reach the quarter-finals in Rome. However, the British number one had to overcome a slow start as the Frenchman frustrated Draper with his dropshots and variety.
Before Moutet was able to get a grip of the opening set, Draper actually made an impressive start on return as he created two break points in the third game. However, the British number one was left frustrated as Moutet’s slice continued to do damage and the Frenchman made Draper pay for his lack of efficiency on return.
Two consecutive breaks of serve on return allowed Moutet to dominate the opening set with Draper not having any real authority on the contest. A tough hold of serve sealed a dominant opening set for Draper who needed to adjust his tactics in order to turn the match in his favour.
In the second set Draper adjusted his tactics on the forehand side and was being more subtle and clever with his patterns of play. The British number one was more dominant on serve only losing two points on serve in his opening four service games. There was more time on the ball for Draper to pick his spots as Moutet’s slice and dice game didn’t have the same impact as it had in the opening set.
A long break of serve in the eighth game for Draper ensured that he was heading towards the second set but a break to love from Moutet quickly changed those plans with the Brit looking frustrated once again. However, Draper produced some consistently high-quality tennis in the tenth game and was rewarded with a second consecutive break as he forced a deciding set.
The third set saw Draper continue to have success at the net as he forced Moutet into deep defensive positions. After failing to convert break point in the second set, Draper was finally rewarded for his consistent pressure on Moutet’s defensive game as he broke in the eighth game to have a chance to serve for the match.
A neat volley winner at the net secured victory as Draper booked his place into the last eight in Rome.
Jack Draper [5] v Carlos Alcaraz [3] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [5] v Carlos Alcaraz [3] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 3-2 |
| Rome 2025 | Rome, Italy |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €165,670 |
| Second on Campo Centrale (Not before 14:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
A blockbuster showdown awaits Draper as he faces Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the Rome semi-finals.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 5) | Carlos Alcaraz (WR 3) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2024) | R2 (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.6 | 64.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 85.5 | 84.7 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63.1 | 63.5 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.7 | 54 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.5 | 43.1 |
Draper will need to be aggressive on serve as Alcaraz will punish any loose second serves in a match between two clinical returners.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After an exceptional start to the clay court season, injury derailed Alcaraz’s progress as he withdrew from Madrid. However, the Spaniard has continued to show why he is the man to beat on clay in Rome and now Alcaraz will bid for a first title in the eternal city ahead of his Roland Garros title defence later this month.
Draper will aim to be aggressive on the forehand side as he will look to sustain a high level throughout the match, taking advantage of any dips in form from Alcaraz. Meanwhile Alcaraz will need to return well and take time away from Draper. This will be a good match with both players showing signs of vulnerability in their last matches. Alcaraz will enter as slight favourite but if Draper can be aggressive and come to the net then he will stand a chance of exposing the Spaniard’s inconsistencies and rustiness.
Prediction: Alcaraz in three sets.
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