LONDON — British tennis fans had plenty to cheer about as home favorite Jack Draper delivered a commanding performance to advance to the last 16 at the Cinch Championships, commonly known as Queen’s Club. The 22-year-old, now Britain’s top-ranked men’s player, dispatched American Jenson Brooksby in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, showcasing his growing confidence on grass.
Meanwhile, reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz also made a strong start to his grass-court season, defeating Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5 at the same tournament. The Spaniard, who skipped the French Open due to injury, looked sharp in his return, reinforcing his status as one of the favorites for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.
Draper’s Dominance on Home Soil
Draper, who claimed his maiden ATP title in Stuttgart last week, continued his impressive form on grass. Facing Brooksby, a tricky opponent known for his defensive skills, the left-hander controlled the match from the outset. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play left the American scrambling, with Draper converting four of his six break points. "I felt really comfortable out there," Draper said post-match. "Grass suits my game, and it’s always special to play in front of a home crowd."
Key factors in Draper’s victory included:
- A first-serve percentage of 72%, winning 82% of those points
- 14 aces, including a 138 mph bomb in the second set
- Consistent depth on his groundstrokes, forcing Brooksby into errors
The win sets up a tantalizing clash with fifth seed Tommy Paul in the next round. Paul, who reached the semifinals at Queen’s last year, will provide a sterner test, but Draper’s recent momentum makes him a dangerous opponent. "I’m playing with a lot of belief right now," Draper added. "Every match is an opportunity to keep improving."
Alcaraz Shakes Off Rust
Carlos Alcaraz, playing his first match since withdrawing from the French Open with a forearm injury, showed no signs of discomfort as he dismantled Cerundolo in just over an hour. The world No. 2’s trademark intensity and shot-making were on full display, particularly in a dominant first set where he dropped just one game. "I was a bit nervous coming back, but once I got into the rhythm, I felt great," Alcaraz admitted. "Grass is a surface where I want to keep proving myself, especially after winning Wimbledon last year."
Alcaraz’s performance was particularly impressive given his limited preparation. Unlike many of his peers, he opted against playing a warm-up tournament before Queen’s, choosing instead to focus on practice sessions at the All England Club. His decision appeared justified as he:
- Won 92% of first-serve points in the opening set
- Hit 28 winners to Cerundolo’s 12
- Demonstrated improved net play, winning 15 of 18 approaches
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal Prospects
With both Draper and Alcaraz safely through, attention turns to their next challenges. Draper faces Tommy Paul, against whom he holds a 1-1 head-to-head record. Their last meeting, on hard courts in Acapulco earlier this year, went Paul’s way in three tight sets. However, grass could tilt the balance in Draper’s favor given his recent form. "Jack’s a different player now compared to when we last played," Paul acknowledged. "He’s serving bigger and moving better. It’s going to be a tough one."
Alcaraz, meanwhile, will face either Grigor Dimitrov or Adrian Mannarino in what promises to be a stern test of his grass-court credentials. Dimitrov, a former Queen’s champion, possesses the variety to trouble the Spaniard, while Mannarino’s flat, left-handed strokes are always dangerous on this surface.
British Hopes on the Rise
Draper’s success has ignited hopes of a first British men’s champion at Queen’s since Andy Murray in 2016. With Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans also in action, British tennis appears to be in rude health. Norrie, the 2021 runner-up, faces Milos Raonic in a battle of big servers, while Evans takes on Brandon Nakashima. "It’s fantastic to see multiple Brits doing well here," said tournament director Luiz Carvalho. "The crowd support makes a real difference, and we could be in for a special week."
As the grass-court season heats up, all eyes will be on how Draper and Alcaraz progress. For Draper, it’s about consolidating his status as Britain’s new standard-bearer. For Alcaraz, it’s about building momentum ahead of his Wimbledon title defense. One thing is certain: with performances like these, both players have given their fans plenty to be excited about. "This is where the season really starts for me," Alcaraz said with a smile. "I’m here to win, and I’m ready for the challenge."