By Tony Fairbairn
- Jack Draper [25] def Facundo Diaz Acosta 6-4 6-2 6-2
- Draper v Botic Van De Zandschulp | H2H: First Meeting
NEW YORK, USA – Jack Draper comfortably defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta in straight sets to reach the third round of the US Open where he will play Carlos Alcaraz’s conqueror, Botic Van De Zandschulp.
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Jack Draper [25] def Facundo Diaz Acosta 6-4 6-2 6-2
Jack Draper maintained his 100% record of reaching the third round of the US Open after a straight sets win over Facundo Diaz Acosta. There were early signs that this was going to be a test of Draper’s patience and fitness as the duo played some long rallies early on in the match. However the early signs were that Draper was passing the test as the Brit produced a rapid forehand cross-court winner to break in the third game for a 2-1 lead.
Diaz Acosta entered this match with a slight injury and that showed on serve with the Argentinian unable to deal with Draper’s persistent pressure on return. However the Argentinian was by no means out of this match as he grinded out service holds and created break point in the sixth game to get back into the match. The British number one produced some clutch serving under pressure and was able to close out the opening set in 47 minutes.
In the second set Diaz Acosta attempted some aggressive shots to throw Draper off his game but with little reward. The Brit’s all-court game was too strong for Diaz Acosta as the British number one broke again for a 2-1 lead. After breaking for the first time, Draper pulled away from his opponent as he gained control of this match with his confidence at it’s maximum level as he secured the double break for a 4-1 advantage.
After saving two break points to consolidate the break, Draper comfortably held serve for a two set lead and continued to dominate proceedings in the third set. Although his attacking play was the star of the show, it was Draper’s defensive play that earned him the first break of the set in the third game.
A flawless return game in the seventh game sealed the double break as an ace confirmed Draper’s place in the third round for a third year in a row.
Jack Draper [25] v Botic Van De Zandschulp H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [25] v Botic Van De Zandschulp | H2H: First Meeting |
| US Open 2024 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $215,000 |
| Second on Grandstand (17:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Draper will now face former quarter-finalist Botic Van De Zandschulp for a place in the second week of the US Open for a second consecutive year.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 25) | Botic Van De Zandschulp (WR 74) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2023) | Quarter-Final (2021) |
| 1st Serve % | 58.4 | 61.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 83.4 | 72.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57 | 60.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51 | 50.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 44 | 40.7 |
Draper will aim to continue playing efficient and proactive tennis as he will look to neutralize the big serve of Van De Zandschulp.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After a poor season which nearly ended in retirement, Van De Zandschulp will be on cloud nine right now having produced the best performance of his life to knock out Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz. A flawless serving performance from the Dutchman as he now looks to replicate his run to the quarter-finals from three years ago after what has been a dismal season for Van De Zandschulp.
Draper will aim to be aggressive on forehand as he will look for depth to force the Dutchman behind the baseline and will need to shorten the points at the net. Meanwhile Van De Zandschulp will look to serve aggressively and rush Draper’s baseline game as that was the key to success against Alcaraz. It will be interesting to see if Van De Zandschulp can maintain the high level that saw him beat Alcaraz in his previous round. This will be a testing match for Draper but if the Brit can maintain consistent aggression throughout the match then he should be able to come through an awkward contest on paper.
Prediction: Draper in four sets.
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