MADRID — British tennis star Jack Draper advanced to the round of 16 at the Madrid Open after his opponent, Matteo Berrettini, retired due to injury during a match interrupted by a power outage at the Caja Mágica.
Draper's Path to Victory
The 22-year-old left-hander was leading 6-1, 3-0 when Berrettini, the 2019 US Open semifinalist, called for the trainer and ultimately withdrew due to an apparent abdominal issue. The match had already been delayed for nearly an hour after a sudden power cut plunged the stadium into darkness, halting play in the second set.
Draper, who has been climbing the ATP rankings this season, dominated early with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. "It's never nice to win like this," Draper said post-match. "Matteo is a great player, and I hope he recovers quickly."
Power Outage Disrupts Play
The unexpected power failure occurred just as Draper was building momentum, forcing players and spectators to wait in near-darkness. Tournament officials confirmed the outage was caused by an electrical fault in the Manzanares Park complex.
Play resumed after emergency generators restored lighting, but Berrettini struggled with discomfort and retired shortly after. "I felt something pull during the first set," the Italian later explained. "I tried to continue, but it wasn’t possible."
Draper's Rising Form
Draper, currently ranked No. 41, has been in strong form on clay this season, reaching the semifinals in Marrakech and now making a deep run in Madrid. His recent performances suggest he could be a dark horse at Roland Garros next month.
Key strengths in Draper’s game include:
- A powerful first serve, averaging over 130 mph
- Exceptional court coverage and defensive skills
- Improved consistency in long rallies
Next Challenge: Rublev or Davidovich Fokina
Draper will face either Andrey Rublev or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round. Rublev, the No. 7 seed, is a formidable opponent, but Draper has shown he can compete with the best, having taken sets off top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner this year.
"I’m feeling confident on clay," Draper said. "Every match is a learning experience, and I’m just trying to build my game."
Berrettini’s Injury Woes Continue
For Berrettini, the retirement marks another setback in a career plagued by injuries. The former world No. 6 has struggled with recurring fitness issues since 2022, including wrist and abdominal problems.
His coach, Vincenzo Santopadre, confirmed the injury was not severe but advised caution. "We’ll assess it day by day," Santopadre said. "Matteo wants to be ready for Rome."
Conclusion: Draper’s Momentum Builds
With this victory, Draper continues his ascent in the ATP rankings and solidifies his reputation as one of Britain’s most promising talents. His adaptability on clay and mental resilience make him a player to watch as the European swing progresses.
The Madrid Open resumes with high-stakes matches, including Draper’s next test against a top-10 opponent. Fans will be eager to see if he can maintain his momentum and make a statement ahead of the French Open.
"I’m here to compete," Draper emphasized. "Every match is a chance to prove myself."