ROME — Britain's rising tennis star Jack Draper overcame a chaotic and unpredictable encounter against France's Corentin Moutet, recovering from what he described as being "bamboozled" to secure a thrilling three-set victory and advance to the Italian Open quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old left-hander, seeded 28th, battled past the unorthodox Moutet 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in a match filled with trick shots, lengthy rallies, and moments of frustration. Draper, who has been in scintillating form on clay this season, admitted afterward that Moutet's unorthodox style had initially left him struggling to find rhythm. "He’s a nightmare to play," Draper said with a laugh.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
The match began with Draper dominating, racing through the first set in just 28 minutes. His powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play left Moutet scrambling, but the Frenchman, known for his unpredictable shot-making, quickly adjusted. The second set saw Moutet employ an array of drop shots, slices, and sudden changes of pace that disrupted Draper’s momentum.
Draper admitted afterward: "I felt like I was in control, then suddenly he started doing all these crazy things—drop shots from nowhere, moonballs, even a tweener. I was completely bamboozled for a while." Moutet’s antics even drew amused reactions from the crowd, with one spectator shouting, "What is this guy doing?"
Key Turning Points
Despite the frustration, Draper regrouped in the decider, relying on his superior physicality and consistency. Key moments included:
- A crucial break in the fourth game after a 12-minute battle
- A stunning cross-court winner to save break point at 4-2
- A composed final service game, sealing victory with an ace
Draper’s Clay-Court Rise
This victory marks another milestone in Draper’s breakthrough season on clay. Earlier this year, he reached the semifinals in Munich and the quarter-finals in Madrid, showcasing his adaptability to the surface. His powerful serve and heavy forehand have proven particularly effective, with his lefty angles causing problems for opponents.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Draper’s resilience: "What impressed me most was how he reset after that second set. Moutet was throwing everything at him, but Jack stayed patient and trusted his game. That’s maturity beyond his years."
Next Challenge: A Top-10 Opponent
Draper now faces a stern test in the quarter-finals against world No. 5 Alexander Zverev, who defeated him in straight sets at last year’s French Open. However, Draper is confident: "I’m a different player now. I’ve got more experience, and my body’s holding up better. I’ll give it everything."
Zverev, who has been in dominant form on clay this season, acknowledged the threat Draper poses: "Jack’s playing some of the best tennis of his career right now. He’s strong, he moves well, and he’s left-handed, which always adds a different dynamic. It won’t be easy."
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
Draper’s ability to adapt and overcome Moutet’s antics underlines his growing mental toughness. With a career-high ranking of No. 35 and a game perfectly suited for clay, he is rapidly establishing himself as one of Britain’s brightest prospects. As he prepares for Roland Garros later this month, this deep run in Rome could be the springboard for even greater success.
Reflecting on his progress, Draper remained grounded: "I’m just taking it match by match. The goal is to keep improving, stay healthy, and see where it takes me. Today was another step forward."