On Sunday, Jack Draper showed that even on his off days, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
The 23-year-old British tennis star didn’t have the smoothest match against Vit Kopriva, making 37 unforced errors and even losing his cool enough to smash his racket in frustration.
Yet, he still managed to pull off a 6-4, 6-3 victory, progressing to the fourth round of the Italian Open.
While Draper’s game wasn’t at its best, he made it clear that his growth as a player means his “B” or even “C” game can still get the job done.
His ability to secure wins, even when not playing perfectly, shows just how far he’s come in his career.
Frustration But Determination
After the match, Draper reflected on his outburst, acknowledging that while he doesn’t condone smashing rackets, his fiery competitive nature sometimes gets the best of him.
“I usually try to stay pretty calm but I’m a fiery, feisty competitor, and that can boil over,” Draper shared.
“Sometimes I feel like I need to lay out some frustration.”
He also mentioned how his rough night of sleep might have contributed to his less-than-ideal performance, but he emphasized that in professional tennis, it’s common to push through such days.
Despite the challenges, Draper’s win was never in real doubt.
It seems like only something extraordinary can stop him at the moment, and his next opponent, Corentin Moutet, is certainly a unique challenge.
A Fiery Opponent Awaits in Moutet
Moutet, the 26-year-old Frenchman, is known for his unpredictable and sometimes chaotic play.
He reached the fourth round after a thrilling 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 win over No. 9 seed Holger Rune, a match that lasted almost four hours and was the longest three-set match of the year.
Known for his maverick personality, Moutet certainly isn’t your typical tennis player.
He even has “Chaos makes the muse” tattooed on his neck, a fitting motto for his unpredictable nature on and off the court.
His controversial behavior, including an incident where he demanded a spectator be ejected before he would continue playing, and his constant interactions with the crowd, make him an electrifying but volatile figure.
Moutet’s game reflects his personality – he’s unpredictable, throwing in a mix of spins, drop shots, and even the occasional underarm serve, all while playing left-handed, just like Draper.
This adds an extra layer of challenge for Draper, who will have to adjust to Moutet’s unique style.
Draper’s Path to the Top
While Moutet may be ranked 83rd in the world, his talent, especially when focused, can make him a dangerous opponent, as he proved in his win over Rune.
Draper will likely have to raise his game if he wants to reach the quarter-finals.
“I enjoy that,” Draper said of Moutet’s theatrics. “They love him here, he brings a really good energy to the court. He’s fiery and very talented.”
Draper’s impressive second-round win over Taylor Fritz has opened the door for a potential move into the world’s top four.
If he can reach the semi-finals of the Italian Open, he will have a chance to leapfrog Fritz and claim the No. 4 seed at the upcoming French Open.
The British star’s journey through the tournament will surely be one to watch, as he looks to continue building on his momentum and refine his game ahead of Paris.