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British tennis star Jack Draper delivered a stellar performance in the US Open quarter-finals, defeating Australia's Alex de Minaur in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, 6-2, to advance to his first Grand Slam semi-final. Draper's win has ignited hopes of a British men's major singles title, a feat not achieved since Andy Murray's Wimbledon victory in 2016.
Draper, seeded 25th, became the first British man to reach the semi-finals of the US Open since Murray in 2012. His journey to the last four at Flushing Meadows has been remarkable, with the 22-year-old yet to drop a set in the tournament. Facing De Minaur, who had won their previous three encounters, Draper displayed exceptional skill and composure to secure the victory in just over two hours.
"I think I played a solid match. I feel the best fitness-wise I've been in a long, long time," Draper said during his post-match interview. "I also think [De Minaur] was struggling a little bit today with something, which may have helped me."
De Minaur, hampered by a lingering hip injury, struggled from the outset, making unforced errors that allowed Draper to establish an early 4-1 lead in the first set. Despite the Australian's efforts to increase his forehand power and mount a comeback, Draper's consistency saw him clinch the first set with ease.
The second set saw brief injury concerns for both players. Draper had his right thigh strapped after a timeout, while De Minaur appeared to be hindered by his hip injury once more. Although De Minaur broke Draper to level the set at 4-4, Draper regained control and took the set 7-5.
With De Minaur's fitness continuing to deteriorate, Draper capitalized, breaking twice in the final set to close out the match and secure his spot in the semi-finals.
Draper now faces either Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner or 2021 US Open winner Daniil Medvedev for a chance at a place in the final. "I'm a big sports fan, a big tennis fan, so I'll definitely be watching the match tonight," Draper said, eager to continue his impressive run.
