Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the semi-finals of the Italian Open, demonstrating his prowess on the clay courts of Rome by defeating British player Jack Draper with a straight-set score of 6-4, 6-4. This match was notably significant as it marked the first meeting between the two on clay despite their five previous encounters on other surfaces. The atmosphere at the Stadio Centrale, part of the iconic Foro Italico, was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating an enthralling tennis showdown.
From the very start, both Alcaraz and Draper showcased their high energy levels and keen sense of purpose, blending power and agility throughout the match. Initially, both players maintained strong service games, but the momentum shifted when Draper managed to break Alcaraz’s serve after the Spaniard committed his first double fault of the match, granting Draper a 4-2 lead in the opening set. However, the world-ranked No. 3 swiftly responded, breaking back without losing a point in a display of tenacity and aggression that would be characteristic of his style.
As the first set unfolded, Alcaraz deployed a series of expertly executed drop shots, which became a lethal weapon in his arsenal, leading him to break Draper again and put himself in a favorable position to serve for the set. In the second set, Draper showed resilience and momentarily controlled the match, leading 4-3, yet he was unable to convert on two crucial break opportunities. Ultimately, Alcaraz’s tenacity shone through as he claimed victory in decisive fashion, closing out the match with a strong finish.
Although Draper will likely feel somewhat disappointed with the straight-sets result, Alcaraz’s mastery on the court is undeniable. The young Spaniard now sets his sights on a semi-final clash against either Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or Germany’s Alexander Zverev, whose match is scheduled for later in the day. Reflecting on his performance in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Alcaraz emphasized the importance of his aggressive play style, stating, “I was doing the things which make me happy on court—trying to play aggressively, hitting good shots, drop shots, and going to the net.” He credited his high rhythm and refusal to allow Draper to dictate play as key factors in his victory.
Alcaraz’s journey to the semi-finals had its challenges; concerns loomed prior to the tournament regarding his fitness after he pulled out of the Madrid Open due to hamstring and groin injuries. With the prestigious French Open at Roland-Garros on the horizon—a tournament that will be broadcasted on TNT Sports and discovery+—the Spanish player appears to have regained his form, expressing satisfaction with his current rhythm on clay. Regarding his previous injury setback, Alcaraz noted, “It’s a shame I got injured just after Barcelona, but you just have to accept it, keep going, and recover as fast as I can.”
On the other side of the net, Jack Draper entered the match with optimism following his previous performance in the Madrid Open final. He faced an uphill battle against the formidable Alcaraz and reflected on the match with a mixture of frustration and insight. Draper acknowledged, “Carlos was better tactically than me, better emotionally. I sit here very frustrated with my match today.” His dedication to improving his clay-court game was evident as he expressed pride in his overall performance this season while recognizing the need for continued development.
As the tournament progresses, attention will shift to the other quarter-final matches where Hubert Hurkacz is set to face Tommy Paul, followed by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner taking on Casper Ruud in front of a supportive home crowd. These matches will determine who will join Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the esteemed Italian Open. As it stands, Alcaraz’s impressive performance has solidified his status as a strong contender for the title, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the tournament.
