By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper def Hubert Hurkacz [17] 6-2 6-4 7-5
- Draper v Michael Mmoh [WC] | H2H: First Meeting
NEW YORK, USA – Jack Draper stunned Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets as the Brit reached the third round of the US Open for a second consecutive year and will now face Michael Mmoh.
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Jack Draper def Hubert Hurkacz [17] 6-2 6-4 7-5
Jack Draper is into the third round of the US Open for a second consecutive year after a stunning victory over 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz. It is the first time that Draper has beaten Hurkacz and the key to victory was a lightening quick start as he hit blistering winners past the helpless Pole. The Brit created three break points in his opening three return games as his forehand did all the damage as he broke twice to take a 4-1 lead.
It was a surprisingly underwhelming performance from Hurkacz, who offered no real attacking threat until the fourth game where Draper was forced to save break point. The opening set was finished in a lightening quick 35 minutes as the Brit held to love to win the set 6-2.
There was more of an attacking threat from Hurkacz in the second set but the Pole seemed to lack the energy or efficiency to finish points off aggressively. After breaking in the opening game, Draper saved break point before storming into a 4-1 lead just as he did in the opening set as he continued to apply consistent pressure on the 17th seed.
However unlike the opening set, there was a response from Hurkacz as he knew there was no time to be passive and let Draper implement his game for the rest of the match. The world number 17 broke in the eighth game as the Brit failed to close out the second set the first time around. Eventually Draper overcame his nerves and tension in his game as the world number 123 sealed a two set lead.
In the third set, there seemed to be some evidence as to why Hurkacz wasn’t feeling well as he received a visit from the doctor halfway through the set. Not only was the Pole feeling the heat of Draper’s game but also the heat of the New York sunshine beaming on the court. There was some positives from Hurkacz to take in the third set as he played with much more attacking intent from the Pole especially after saving two break points in the opening game.
Despite Hurkacz’s best efforts, Draper’s consistent power was just too much for the former Grand Slam semi-finalist to handle as the Brit sealed the crucial break in the eleventh game. The Brit then comfortably served out the match to seal a place in the third round and secure the best win of Draper’s season.
Jack Draper v Michael Mmoh [WC] | H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper v Michael Mmoh [WC] | H2H: First Meeting |
| US Open 2023 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $191,000 |
| First on Grandstand (16:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV Subscription Required |
Draper will now play American wildcard Michael Mmoh for a place in the second week after Mmoh ended the singles career of John Isner in a five set thriller.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 123) | Michael Mmoh (WR 89) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R3 (2022) | R2 (2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.4 | 64.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.5 | 80.2 |
| Break Points Saved % | 69.9 | 65.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53 | 53.3 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.4 | 39.7 |
Although Draper leads the statistics for the season, the Brit will need to be aware of Mmoh’s improving numbers on serve.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Mmoh has picked up some good wins over the past few tournaments with wins over Hurkacz and Karen Khachanov as the American has become more efficient on serve. Now Mmoh will look to use his explosive serve and attacking patterns of play to reach the second week at the US Open for the first time in his career.
Draper will look to continue his aggression on return as he looks to use the angles to expose Mmoh’s lack of tactical variety. Meanwhile Mmoh will look to remain efficient on serve as he looks to avoid dips in form like he produced against Isner. This is a match between two powerful and dynamic players which should see plenty of unforced errors and winners. In the end Draper’s consistent quality should prove too much for the American.
Prediction: Draper in four sets.
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