Jack Draper continued his impressive run at the Madrid Open, defeating Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-0 6-4 to secure his spot in the semi-finals. The British number one is set to move into the ATP World Top Five for the first time in his career following this commanding win.

Draper, seeded fifth in the tournament, dominated the match from the outset, claiming the first set in a swift 25 minutes. He dropped only 10 points on serve throughout the match, never facing a break point, as he showed his growing confidence and power on the court.

Draper Moves to Top Five, Overtakes Novak Djokovic

The 23-year-old Englishman will overtake Grand Slam legend Novak Djokovic in the rankings, moving up into the world’s top five on Monday. Draper’s performance at the Madrid Open comes off the back of his Indian Wells victory in March, a tournament that saw him firmly establish himself as one of the tour’s rising stars.

In the second set, Arnaldi, ranked 44th in the world, managed to break Draper’s serve early, but Draper responded with a decisive break of his own, securing a 3-2 lead and never looking back. Draper’s aggressive play and steady composure on serve allowed him to maintain control and wrap up the match in just one hour and 17 minutes.

Draper Faces Lorenzo Musetti in Semi-Finals

Draper’s next challenge will be against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who progressed to the semi-finals after defeating Canada’s Gabriel Diallo 6-4 6-3. This match will mark Draper’s first-ever ATP clay court semi-final, a significant milestone in his career as he continues to break barriers on the tennis circuit.

Draper expressed confidence in his game, stating, “I feel stronger every time I play. Against these guys, I used to feel like I would be the one on the back foot, but now I am physically able to push the tempo and be aggressive.”

Draper’s Confidence and Determination

With a focus on his forehand, which has been instrumental in his victories, Draper is eager to continue his momentum. He added, “My forehand is doing a lot of damage, and I want to keep it up.” He also expressed his understanding of the volatility of tennis, saying, “I know I can win any match and lose any match, but that fear helps me compete the way I do.”

Madrid Open Tournament Outlook

As the highest-seeded player remaining in the Madrid Open, Draper’s path to the finals looks promising. With his rise in the rankings and strong performances on clay, Draper is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with on the ATP tour.