In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Britain’s Jack Draper has advanced to the third ATP final of his career, and his first on grass, after a convincing victory over unseeded American Brandon Nakashima at the Stuttgart Open.
Draper, the 22-year-old sixth seed, showcased his formidable serve and powerful groundstrokes, delivering 13 aces and 35 winners to secure a 6-3, 6-3 win in the semi-finals.
Draper’s journey to the final has been impressive. He defeated the defending champion, Frances Tiafoe of the USA, in the quarter-finals, demonstrating his ability to overcome top-tier opponents. Draper’s consistent performance throughout the tournament has marked him as a rising star in the tennis world.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Draper will face a significant challenge in Matteo Berrettini, the 28-year-old Italian and former Wimbledon finalist.
Berrettini, who has battled injuries and slipped down the rankings to 95th in the world, showed his class by defeating fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti, the fifth seed, in the second semi-final. Berrettini’s dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory took just 65 minutes, highlighting his formidable form on grass courts.
Berrettini acknowledged the uniqueness of the upcoming match against Draper, saying, “We have never even practised together, so I hope my coach has studied him well. He has been serving brilliantly, so it is going to be a match of serving tomorrow. Good luck to Jack, but I will try to beat him.”
Berrettini’s respect for Draper’s serve underscores the challenge that awaits both players in what promises to be an exciting final.
Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, Draper’s performance has already secured him a rise to 32nd in the world rankings, ensuring a potential seeded position for Wimbledon, which starts on July 1.
Additionally, Draper will be confirmed as the British number one on Monday, surpassing Cameron Norrie. This milestone caps a remarkable period of growth and achievement for Draper, who is now just one match away from claiming his first singles title on the elite men’s tour.
However, Draper will need to overcome Berrettini, a player with a proven track record on grass. Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up, has won four of his eight career titles on grass and is a two-time Stuttgart Open champion. His recent resurgence in form makes him a significant obstacle for Draper.
Tennis fans eagerly await Sunday’s final at the Stuttgart Open, where Draper and Berrettini will battle for the title. Draper’s ascent in the tennis world and Berrettini’s return to form set the stage for a thrilling encounter.