By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper def Radu Albot 6-1 6-4 6-3
- Draper v Hubert Hurkacz [17] | H2H: Hurkacz leads 2-0
NEW YORK, USA – Jack Draper is into the second round of the US Open after cruising past Radu Albot and now faces 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz.
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Jack Draper def Radu Albot 6-1 6-4 6-3
Jack Draper is into the second round after overcoming fitness doubts to defeat Radu Albot in straight sets. The Brit was dominant throughout the entire contest and displayed his big-hitting early on as he broke on two occasions in the opening set to seal a 4-0 lead. The Moldovan wasn’t given time to settle as he failed to make an impact on the Draper serve with the Brit cruising through a 25 minute set.
It was a more competitive second set with Draper looking vulnerable at the beginning of the set as he hit a few loose unforced errors. The world number 101 took full advantage as he created two break points in the second game only to be denied by bold baseline play from Draper. As the set progressed, Albot gained more and more confidence as the Brit lacked a clinical edge on return to threaten the Moldovan.
However the best players know when to bring their best level and Draper certainly did that towards the end of the set as he broke in the ninth game to have the opportunity to serve for a two set lead. The Brit edged out a tight service game to take a two set lead as he went onto dominate the third set.
A break in the opening game allowed Draper the chance to close out the match but very nearly let the match slip out of hands as Albot had a break point in the eight game. However Draper sealed the match with another break of serve as he converted his third match point to seal a place in the second round.
Jack Draper v Hubert Hurkacz [17] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper v Hubert Hurkacz [17] | H2H: Hurkacz leads 2-0 |
| US Open 2023 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $123,000 |
| First on Court 12 at 11am (4pm BST) | Sky/Now TV Subscription Required |
Next for Draper is Hubert Hurkacz, who the Brit has lost to on two separate occasions on two different surfaces.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 123) | Hubert Hurkacz (WR 17) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R3 (2022) | R2 (2022, 2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.6 | 63.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 82.8 | 87.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 69.2 | 66.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.9 | 46.5 |
| Break Points Converted % | 41.8 | 32.5 |
Draper will fancy his chances of winning this match as long as he can keep up his efficiency and consistency on break points.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Hurkacz enters the US Open in great form having reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati and pushed Carlos Alcaraz all the way. The Pole’s athleticism mixed with unpredictable serve makes him one of the toughest opponents on the tour and now Hurkacz is looking to back that up with another deep Grand Slam run.
Draper will look to be proactive on return but will need to be intelligent with how he extends the rallies as Hurkacz is capable of turning defence into attack instantly. The Pole will look to serve consistently high percentages as he looks to neutralise Draper’s returning consistency and power. This will be a good test to see where Draper’s physical fitness is at and the Brit will need to produce three flawless sets if he wants to claim victory and a place in the third round.
Prediction: Hurkacz in four sets.
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