British number one Jack Draper put in a masterful performance against Australia's Alex de Minaur to reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open.
The 22-year-old had not dropped a single set en route to his inaugural major quarter-final, but a much more taxing test was anticipated against 10th seed De Minaur, seeking to banish a Grand Slam curse.
The Australian had lost in the last eight of this year's French Open and Wimbledon, as well as the 2020 US Open, but he was evidently struggling with an injury and Draper mercilessly took full advantage, making the most of his superior athleticism and showcasing incredible shot-making.
The British number one - who also required medical treatment early on in the match - continued his theme of not dropping a single set in New York with a 6-3 7-5 6-2 victory in two hours and seven minutes at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In doing so, Draper became the first British man in 12 years to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows, emulating Andy Murray during his run to the 2012 title, his first Grand Slam achievement.
The 22-year-old is also just the fourth man from his nation to progress to the US Open semi-finals, following in the footsteps of Murray, Tim Henman (2004) and Greg Rusedski (1997).
Jack Draper STORMS into his first career Grand Slam semifinal! pic.twitter.com/2tu8NSBiPU
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2024
Who will Draper face in US Open semi-finals?
Draper's reward for reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final will be a tantalising contest against either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev, and even though the opposition will only get tougher, the 22-year-old believes that he has never been in a better place fitness-wise.
"It's amazing, honestly to be out here my first match on the biggest court in the world it's a dream come true for me," Draper said on his on-court interview. "I think I played a solid match. I'm the best fitness wise I've been in a long long time. He was struggling with something which may have helped me a little bit.
Asked if he will tune into the Medvedev vs. Sinner match, Draper added: "I'm a big sports fan and a big tennis fan, I'll definitely be watching if it doesn't go too late. I'll just enjoy the win and relax."
Throughout the two-hour battle, Draper fired 11 aces and won a marvellous 84% of points behind his first serve, while also coming forward effectively with a 72% win rate at the net.
Both Draper and De Minaur committed 30 unforced errors, but the Australian was only able to muster 21 winners compared to his opponent's 40 and was broken six times over the course of the match.
Should Draper upset the odds once again and progress to the US Open final, he will have to make it past one of two home favourites in Frances Tiafoe or Taylor Fritz for a shock Grand Slam triumph.
Ben Knapton
