Jack Draper Suffers Humiliating Defeat in the Hands of Tommy Paul
Draper fell short against Paul in four sets, with the American prevailing 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, denying Draper a spot in the following round. This encounter served as a rematch from last week’s quarterfinal at the Adelaide International, where Draper emerged victorious. However, Paul took control in the initial set, winning four consecutive games comfortably.
Although Draper elevated his performance in the second set, Paul secured an early break in the third. Draper managed to stave off set points at 5-2, but Paul sealed the following game, regaining the lead. The fourth set saw Paul break Draper at the outset, but the British player retaliated, leveling the score at 2-2. Despite the next five games going with serves, Draper missed two crucial set points at 5-4. This proved costly, as Paul went on to win the subsequent three games, securing revenge for their previous encounter in Adelaide.
Reflecting on the match, Paul acknowledged Draper’s dominance in their previous meeting and emphasized the need to implement strategic changes. He aimed to extend the duration of the match, considering Draper’s lengthy first-round encounter. Paul credited a more aggressive playing style, recognized Draper’s effectiveness when dictating the game, and emphasized the importance of keeping him on the defensive.
