Draper Dominates Paul 6-2, 6-2 to Advance to Quarters at the Masters 1000 in Madrid
In a swift and commanding performance, world #6 Jack Draper made quick work of Tommy Paul, clinching a place in the last eight at the Mutua Madrid Open for the very first time. The 23-year-old lefty from Britain showcased his skills, aiming to secure his second title in just two months at the esteemed Masters 1000 level.
Tommy Paul, hailing from Voorhies, New Jersey, reached a career-high ranking of #9 at the beginning of the season but currently sits at #12. Although he previously trailed the head-to-head matchup 2-3, this marked their inaugural clash on clay.
Paul entered the match with confidence, having bested the 2025 Argentina Open champion Joa Fonseca in straight sets and overcoming former world #8 Karen Khachanov in a challenging three-set encounter. He hoped to achieve his first quarterfinal appearance in Madrid.
Draper won the coin toss and chose to receive. Under cool, breezy conditions at Manolo Santana Stadium, Paul started with a misstep and later impressed with a brilliant inside-out forehand volley. Draper quickly leveled the score with his opening ace.
(Image: Getty)
Paul struggled with four unforced errors from his forehand and faced double break points, ultimately dropping serve. Draper showcased his power with two winners, including another ace, to consolidate his break at 3-1. Paul responded well in the fifth game, hitting strong serves to narrow the gap to 2-3. Despite missing 5/6 first serves, Draper delivered two exceptional forehand winners to extend his lead to 4-2.
In the seventh game, Paul made a commendable swing volley but found himself facing a break point after consecutive unforced errors. Draper successfully served for the set, finishing with four consecutive winners, including his third ace, sealing it at 6-2.
Paul began the second set serving first and held to 30 before Draper followed suit with a love hold, leveling the match. Paul struck a volley winner early but faltered with a double fault, battling through two deuce points yet managing to hold for 2-1.
Draper maintained control from the baseline, holding to 30 while Paul struggled, missing 3/4 first serves. He faced triple break point and ultimately dropped serve with a mishit backhand.
With two more winners and his fourth ace, Draper held at love for 4-2. Paul fought through two deuce points but couldn’t stave off another break. Draper served for the match, opening with a double fault, but finished with a powerful inside-in forehand, securing his spot in the quarterfinals in Madrid.
In a match filled with potential yet lacking competition, Draper delivered a masterclass, outplaying Paul decisively. In just over an hour, Draper fired 20 winners against a mere 11 unforced errors, while Paul managed only 7 winners to a staggering 31 unforced errors.
With Draper frequently pushing Paul around the court, he won 40/57 of baseline exchanges, displaying relentless power and precision. Draper dominated the serve game, winning 86% of first serves and an impressive 70% of second serve points without facing a single break point.
As he prepares for his first tour-level meeting with a chance to reach the semifinals, Draper is set to face Matteo Arnaldi.
The 24-year-old from San Remo, Italy, currently ranked #44, boasts a career-high ranking of #30. In his four matches, he has lost only one set and has impressive straight-set victories against two seeded players, including three-time Madrid Open champion and former #1, Novak Djokovic.
