By Tony Fairbairn at Wimbledon
- Jack Draper [28] def Elias Ymer [Q] 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-3
- Cameron Norrie def Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-5 7-5 6-3
- Draper v Norrie | H2H: Norrie leads 2-0
LONDON, ENGLAND – Jack Draper survived a five set thriller against Elias Ymer to reach the second round where a blockbuster clash against Cameron Norrie awaits.
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Jack Draper [28] def Elias Ymer [Q] 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-3; Cameron Norrie def Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-5 7-5 6-3
Jack Draper will face Cameron Norrie in the second round of Wimbledon after Draper won a five set thriller with Swedish qualifier Elias Ymer. The British number one was moved from Court Two to Centre Court after Andy Murray’s singles withdrawal and initially Draper settled into the match well by breaking in the opening game.
That good start didn’t last long though as Ymer displayed the form that saw him qualify for this event as he broke back in the next game. Draper was seeded at Wimbledon for the first time and it was evident he was still getting used to the situation he found himself in as he struggled to make an impact on return.
A lack of consistency mixed with unforced errors didn’t help Draper’s cause as the Swedish qualifier took full advantage by breaking for a 5-3 lead. There was some powerful serving from Ymer throughout the contest and he was able to control his power in a positive manner, holding to love to take the opening set.
It wasn’t pretty tennis from Draper in the second set but the Brit managed to find some return winners in the fourth game to break for a 3-1 lead. The job was far from done in terms of winning the set as a relentless Ymer continued to pound away on the forehand side, creating three break points in the next game. A composed and confident Draper found a way out of the service game and the set, levelling the match at one set all.
In the third set there was continued aggression from Draper as he broke to love at the start of the set. At this point it was looking like a formality that Draper was going to win this match as he set the tempo of the match with his forehand.
However Draper produced some wrong decisions at crucial moments as the Brit was left out of position at the net. This allowed Ymer to take advantage as he broke back in the sixth game. An immediate response was produced by Draper who went back to basics forcing Ymer to play one more ball, eventually creating unforced errors as the Brit broke in the next game. Another break of serve was produced from Draper as he took the third set with a forehand return winner.
This match was far from over though as Draper became too complacent on serve as he let an early break of serve slip in the fourth set. If anything, the Swede was becoming more and more dangerous as the match went on as he dictated with the forehand creating a flurry of break points.
Although Draper produced some big serving under pressure, the British number one couldn’t deny Ymer for long as the Swede pinned a backhand passing shot winner to break at 5-4. Some late pressure put doubt in Ymer’s mind as Draper had three break points in the tenth game but the Swede withstood the pressure to force the match into a deciding set.
A fifth set meant the introduction of the Centre Court roof for the first time this tournament and that’s when Draper took control of the contest. The British number one got the crowd involved as he put on a serving masterclass and a break in the fourth game sealed victory for Draper in a five set epic.
Now Draper will face Norrie in the second round after the British number two defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta in straight sets. Norrie cruised through the opening set by breaking in the eleventh game but found it more difficult in the second set as he was broken on two occasions. The Brit was smarter on return though as he overcame those limitations to take a two set lead.
Norrie was also broken twice in the third set but the world number 42 battled well and grinded out a straight sets win to book a place in the second round. Speaking after the match Norrie spoke about Draper’s progress and the challenge that awaits him in the next round.
“For me it’s always good to see him doing so well. We’re good friends,” Norrie said in his press conference.
“Yeah, I think he’s playing his best level that he’s been playing. It’s shown in his results. He won an unreal tournament in Stuttgart. He’s so confident. Physically he’s the best I’ve ever seen him. He has a great team around him. He won a really tough match today. He’s at the top of his game.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a challenge to play against him, but I’m looking forward to it. Yeah, I can go out, nothing to lose.”
Jack Draper [28] v Cameron Norrie H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jack Draper [28] v Cameron Norrie | H2H: Norrie leads 2-0 |
| Wimbledon 2024 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: £93,000 |
| Second on Court One (14:30 BST) | BBC Sport |
Draper and Norrie will meet for the third time and although Norrie leads the head-to-head 2-0, they haven’t met since 2022.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Jack Draper (WR 28) | Cameron Norrie (WR 42) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2022) | Semi-Finals (2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 57.4 | 62.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.6 | 79.5 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.4 | 65 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.6 | 51.7 |
| Break Points Converted % | 47 | 40.7 |
Draper’s return efficiency has been more consistent and reliable this season that Norrie’s but Norrie will feel more confident on the pressure points on his serve in comparison with Draper’s statistics.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Norrie has lacked confidence in recent weeks after failing to win tight matches as well as losing some very winnable matches. The key for the Brit will be to try and remain on the front-foot as he aims to rush Draper’s play by using the backhand to accelerate the pace of the rallies.
Draper will aim to start this match a bit better as he will be aggressive on serve but will also need to be patient as Norrie will look to extend the rallies. If Draper can settle quickly and control his game well then the British number one should get through. However, Norrie will have nothing to lose and a best of five set format could suit Norrie as this could become a war of attrition.
Prediction: Draper in four sets.
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