By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, May 1, 2025
Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open Facebook
From the desert to the clay, Jack Draper is making waves as a formidable all-surface competitor.
Following his triumph at Indian Wells, Draper achieved a significant milestone at the Madrid Open, not only entering the ATP Top 5 but also securing his first semifinal appearance on clay.
In an impressive display, Draper overpowered Matteo Arnaldi with a score of 6-0, 6-4, propelling him into the Mutua Madrid Open semifinals and surpassing Novak Djokovic for a new career-high ranking of No. 5.
With his left-handed finesse, Draper commanded the match, winning 11 of 14 second-serve points and never facing a break point in a confidence-inspiring 77-minute victory.
He joins the elite ranks of former No. 1 Andy Murray, former No. 4 Tim Henman, and former No. 4 Greg Rusedski as the fourth British player in the Open Era to break into the Top 5.
“Every match, I feel myself getting stronger,” Draper shared with Sky Sports after his match. “In previous years, I always felt like I was the one on the defensive against these guys on clay.”
“Now, I’m more capable physically and can assert my game. My forehand is powerful, and I’m eager to maintain that momentum.”
As the fifth seed, Draper has cruised through the tournament, not dropping a single set against opponents like Tallon Griekspoor, Matteo Berrettini, Tommy Paul, and Arnaldi.
In the semifinals, Draper will face either the towering 6’8″ Canadian lucky loser Gabriel Diallo or Monte-Carlo finalist Lorenzo Musetti for a coveted spot in Sunday’s final.
Arnaldi struggled early, hitting a low backhand into the net as Draper surged to a commanding 5-0 lead in just 22 minutes.
With a fierce forehand, Draper concluded the first set decisively, serving without dropping a point in an impressive display.
Despite efforts to employ drop shots, Arnaldi’s strategy faltered, ultimately leading to Draper capitalizing on a crucial break in the second set.
