In a captivating first-round match at the Cincinnati Open, Jack Draper emerged victorious over Spanish qualifier Jaume Munar with a final score of 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5). Draper’s remarkable resilience was on full display as he fought through physical discomfort and a challenging opponent to secure his place in the next round.
Physical Struggles and Resilience
The 22-year-old British star faced significant challenges during the match, particularly in the third set. Draper, who has dealt with abdominal issues in the past, called for a physio while leading 6-5. Munar seized the opportunity to break Draper’s serve and force a decisive tie-breaker. Despite trailing 4-2 in the tie-break, Draper demonstrated his fighting spirit by winning the next four points and sealing his victory with a powerful ace on his second match point.
Match Highlights: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Draper’s performance was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After falling behind 5-2 in the first set, he rallied to win five consecutive games and take the set 7-5. Munar responded by breaking Draper’s serve early in the second set and claiming it 6-3. The third set saw more drama, including Draper’s frustration boiling over as he smashed his racket after falling 2-1 behind. However, he quickly regrouped to break Munar’s serve and eventually win the set and the match.
Upcoming Clash: Draper vs. Tsitsipas
Looking ahead, Draper will face Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. Tsitsipas secured his spot with a win over Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, finishing with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, as both players are known for their competitive spirit and skill on the court.
Other Notable Results
In other Cincinnati Open news, Danish 15th seed Holger Rune overcame former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, coming back from a set down to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-4. French veteran Gael Monfils also advanced after a straight-set victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, winning 7-5, 6-3. Monfils will now face second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the next round.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting matches as the Cincinnati Open progresses.
