By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [25] def Tomas Machac 6-3 6-1 6-2
- Draper v Alex De Minaur [10] | H2H: De Minaur leads 3-0
NEW YORK, USA – Jack Draper crushed Tomas Machac with the loss of six games to advance to his first ever Grand Slam quarter-final and will now face tenth seed Alex De Minaur at the US Open.
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Jack Draper [25] def Tomas Machac 6-3 6-1 6-2
Jack Draper is the first Brit since Andy Murray to reach the US Open quarter-finals in 2016 after the British number one crushed Tomas Machac with the loss of six games. Heading into this match both players hadn’t dropped a set at the US Open this year and it was easy to see why especially for Machac as he started the match aggressively, taking the match to Draper.
Some crushing forehands from Machac gave the Czech Republican a chance to break early on but Draper sniffed out any early opportunities with some aggressive play of his own. Despite Draper’s early aggressive tactics, Machac didn’t stop taking the match to the Brit as the Czech Republican approached the net in order to finish points off quickly.
As the set went on, Draper gradually found his confidence on serve with some big forehand winners but never really got a hold of Machac’s service games. Another few forehand winners saw Machac in a 3-2 lead and at that point it seemed almost impossible for Draper to break the Czech Republican’s serve.
However tennis can be a strange sport at times and the next two games were about to define the rest of this match as another comfortable Draper hold was followed by a nightmare service game from Machac. A string of errors followed as Draper broke for a 4-3 lead and that was a theme that would follow for the rest of the match. Another big hold was to follow for Draper as he survived a late comeback from Machac to hold for 5-3 before the Czech Republican committed his 16th unforced error of the set with Draper breaking again to take the opening set.
After that it was all about Draper as he dictated the match on his own terms and started the second set with two delightful drop shot winners. That set the tone for the rest of the match as Draper continued to dominate an erratic Machac, who committed more unforced errors in the match with the Brit taking a 3-0 lead.
Despite Machac gaining gradual momentum, Draper showed no signs of slowing down on serve as he held for a 4-1 lead before securing the double break at 5-1. The careless Machac ranted at his coach with Draper continuing to play effortless and flawless tennis as the British number one secured a two set lead with ease.
There were no signs of Machac’s frustrations calming down as more errors saw Draper break at the start of the third set with the Czech Republican walking straight to the other side of the net to rant at his coach. The 25th seed continued to cruise through his service games and another quick backhand winner saw Draper take complete control as he broke for a 4-1 lead.
A ruthless, clinical and flawless display was sealed with another comfortable hold as Draper defeated a hopeless Machac to reach his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final.
Jack Draper [25] v Alex De Minaur [10] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [25] v Alex De Minaur [10] | H2H: De Minaur leads 3-0 |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $530,000 |
| Second on Arthur Ashe Stadium (18:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will look to reverse a 3-0 head-to-head deficit against Alex De Minaur in order to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 25) | Alex De Minaur (WR 10) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2023) | Quarter-Final (2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 58.1 | 53.1 |
| Service Games Won % | 84 | 80.7 |
| Break Points Saved % | 59.6 | 59.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.5 | 57.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 45.1 | 44.1 |
Draper will aim to continue his efficiency on serve as he is taking on one of the most clinical returners on the tour.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
De Minaur’s impressive season has continued as the Australian is into a fourth Grand Slam quarter-final and his second in New York. The world number ten has been consistent on serve and clinical on return as he will aim to continue his incredible form in order to reach a maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
Draper will need to be aggressive on serve as he will look to dictate the rallies with his forehand and will need to remain patient and persistent in order to be successful. Meanwhile De Minaur will look to extend the rallies and open up the court by using angles as the Australian will aim to finish points off at the net. A lot is on the line for both players and this should be a nervy yet explosive affair. De Minaur’s style of play means this could be a step too far for Draper but this will by no means be a straightforward match for either player.
Prediction: De Minaur in five sets.
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