The Japan Open is always a highly anticipated event in the tennis world, and this year is no exception. With top players like Jack Draper, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Tommy Paul in attendance, fans are in for a treat. Britain’s Jack Draper is through to the Japan Open last 16 following a straight-set win over Mattia Bellucci, marking a return to form for the 22-year-old after a disappointing Davis Cup in Manchester.
Draper, ranked number 20 in the world, beat the Italian 6-4 6-2 for his first victory since defeat by Jannik Sinner in the US Open semi-finals earlier this month. The victory was a much-needed boost for Draper, who was beaten in straight sets by Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime as Great Britain failed to reach the knockout stage.
After edging the first set against world number 103 Bellucci in Tokyo, Draper pulled away in the second as he opened up a 5-1 lead before seeing out victory. Draper will play Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz on Friday, a match that promises to be an exciting encounter between two talented players.
Journey to the Japan Open
Draper’s journey to the Japan Open has not been without its challenges. After reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open earlier this month, he was expected to perform well at the Davis Cup in Manchester. However, things did not go as planned, and he lost his two singles matches against Francisco Cerundolo and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Despite this setback, Draper has shown remarkable resilience and determination. He has been working hard to improve his game, and it seems to be paying off. His win over Mattia Bellucci is a testament to his growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure.
The Japan Open is a significant tournament in the tennis calendar, and Draper’s participation is a great opportunity for him to gain valuable experience and exposure. With top players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Tommy Paul in the mix, the competition is bound to be fierce, but Draper is ready for the challenge.
Draper’s Opponents
Draper’s next opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, is a formidable player with a strong track record. The Polish second seed has been in good form lately, and Draper will need to bring his A-game to come out on top. Here are some key statistics about Hurkacz:
- Ranked number 15 in the world
- Won the 2021 Miami Open
- Runner-up at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships
- Holds a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Draper
The Competition Heats Up
The Japan Open is heating up, with several top players advancing to the next round. American fifth seed Tommy Paul beat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-3 6-2, while Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka edged Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 7-6 (7-5) in a match that lasted three hours and 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas lost 4-6 6-1 6-2 to American Alex Michelsen, a surprise upset that has left many fans stunned. Tsitsipas, a former top 5 player, has been struggling with form lately, and this loss is a major setback for him.
Roundup of Results
Here are some of the key results from the Japan Open so far:
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Jack Draper vs Mattia Bellucci | 6-4 6-2 |
| Tommy Paul vs Matteo Arnaldi | 6-3 6-2 |
| Yoshihito Nishioka vs Felix Auger-Aliassime | 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 7-6 (7-5) |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Alex Michelsen | 4-6 6-1 6-2 |
A Look Ahead
As the Japan Open reaches its climax, fans are eagerly anticipating the next round of matches. Draper’s encounter with Hurkacz is expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament, and tennis enthusiasts around the world will be watching with bated breath.
With so much at stake, the players will need to bring their A-game to come out on top. The Japan Open is a tournament that has produced many memorable moments over the years, and this year’s edition promises to be no exception.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from the Japan Open, and find out how the players fare in this thrilling competition.