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topicnews · September 27, 2024

MATCH REPORT | 2024 Japan Open: Jack Draper prevails over Hubert Hurkacz as other seeds continue to fight

MATCH REPORT | 2024 Japan Open: Jack Draper prevails over Hubert Hurkacz as other seeds continue to fight

British number one Jack Draper is into the quarter-finals of the 2024 Japan Open after beating second seed Hubert Hurkacz in a straight set.

Draper, who is of course an up-and-coming player and is just outside the seeding list, similar to Arthur Fils with Fritz yesterday, is a threat to the big names, especially if he is cold.

The Pole is currently recovering from a torn meniscus that he suffered in Canada at the beginning of the year after just a few weeks. That meant he had little time to recover and he was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by Draper in Tokyo today. It was a hard-fought game for the Brits, but a fairly easy task considering their ranks and status in the game.

Draper was able to fend off two of seven break points and fend off three of his own. The win was the world No. 20’s third against a top-10 opponent in 2024, his most in a single season. Even during the tie, he was able to fend off Hurkacz in each of the three chances the world number eight had. This means Draper remains on the way to the ATP Finals in Turin. He is ranked 20th and could make further progress this week as the seeds are selected.
He will next face the winner of Ugo Humbert and Brandon Nakashima. This also throws a spotlight on the seeding list, as Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Frances Tiafoe were all eliminated early.

A big setback for the tournament with all the big names gone, but a chance for Draper and also Ben Shelton, who defeated Mariano Navone 6-4, 6-3 to secure his place in the quarterfinals. They could still improve in Tokyo, especially given the loss of the seeded stars.

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