PARIS — British tennis star Jack Draper secured a hard-fought victory in his opening match at the 2024 French Open, defeating Italy's Mattia Bellucci in four sets (6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1) to advance to the second round. The 22-year-old, who has struggled with injuries this season, credited his mental resilience and trust in his game for the breakthrough win.
Draper, currently ranked No. 35 in the world, faced a stern test from the 148th-ranked Bellucci but found his rhythm as the match progressed. "I knew if I stayed patient, things would click into place," Draper said in his post-match press conference. "It wasn’t perfect, but I trusted my game when it mattered."
A Test of Patience and Persistence
The match began with Draper asserting his dominance early, breaking Bellucci in the fifth game to take the first set. However, the Italian fought back in the second, capitalizing on Draper’s unforced errors to level the match. The turning point came in the third set, where Draper’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play began to wear Bellucci down.
Key factors in Draper’s victory included:
- A first-serve percentage of 72% in the final two sets
- Winning 78% of net points (18/23)
- Converting 5 of 8 break-point opportunities
Overcoming Adversity
Draper’s journey to this victory has been far from smooth. A series of injuries, including a shoulder issue earlier this year, had limited his clay-court preparation. "It’s been a tough few months physically," he admitted. "But I’ve worked hard with my team to get back to where I need to be."
The win marks Draper’s first main-draw victory at Roland Garros, a significant milestone for the young left-hander. His previous best Grand Slam performance was reaching the fourth round at the 2023 US Open.
Looking Ahead
Draper will face 17th-seeded Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the second round, a matchup that promises to test his clay-court credentials further. "Ugo’s a great player, especially on this surface," Draper said. "But I’ll back myself to play my game and see what happens."
Tennis analysts have noted Draper’s improved movement and tactical awareness on clay this season. His ability to adapt his powerful game to the slower surface could make him a dangerous floater in the draw.
A Statement of Intent
This victory represents more than just progression in a tournament for Draper. It’s a statement that he’s ready to compete with the best, despite his injury setbacks. "I’ve always believed in my ability," he said. "Now it’s about staying healthy and putting together consistent performances."
With the grass-court season approaching, where Draper has historically excelled, this French Open performance could be the springboard he needs to break into the top 30. His powerful lefty game, featuring a devastating serve and flat groundstrokes, makes him a threat on any surface when fully fit.
As the British No. 2 continues his Roland Garros campaign, tennis fans will be watching closely to see if this marks the beginning of Draper’s ascent into the upper echelons of the game. For now, his message is clear: "Keep calm, trust the process, and the results will come."