LONDON — British number one Jack Draper made a bold mid-match racquet switch that proved decisive in his thrilling three-set victory over Australia's Alexei Popyrin, securing his place in the Queen's Club Championships quarter-finals with a dramatic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2) triumph.
The 22-year-old left-hander, who claimed his maiden ATP title in Stuttgart last week, faced a pivotal moment at 4-4 in the final set when he abruptly changed racquets during the changeover. The unconventional move paid dividends as Draper dominated the subsequent tie-break, winning six consecutive points to close out the match in two hours and 17 minutes on the prestigious grass courts.
A Tactical Gamble That Paid Off
Draper's decision to swap racquets at such a crucial juncture raised eyebrows among spectators and commentators alike. The young Brit later explained his reasoning: "I felt the strings had gone dead and wasn't getting the pop I needed on my serve. At that stage, you've got to trust your instincts."
The statistics supported Draper's bold move:
- First serve percentage improved from 58% to 72% after the switch
- Average serve speed increased by 8mph in the tie-break
- Won 100% of first-serve points in the decisive breaker
Popyrin's Frustration Boils Over
The Australian, ranked 48th in the world, had looked dangerous throughout, particularly with his powerful baseline game. However, Popyrin's composure cracked in the tie-break as Draper's renewed intensity took its toll. "He just raised his level when it mattered most," a dejected Popyrin admitted in his post-match press conference.
Key moments that shaped the match:
- Draper saved 3 break points at 2-3 in the deciding set
- Popyrin double-faulted on set point in the opener
- Draper converted his only break point opportunity in the first set
Grass Court Specialist Emerging
With this victory, Draper improved his grass-court record to 12-2 this season, confirming his status as one of the most dangerous players on the surface. His powerful lefty serve and flat groundstrokes are perfectly suited to the low-bouncing lawns, with his game drawing comparisons to a young Andy Murray.
Former British number one Tim Henman, commentating for the BBC, noted: "What's impressive about Jack is how he's developed his net game. He won 74% of points at the net today - that's the kind of percentage you associate with serve-volleyers from previous eras."
Looking Ahead to the Quarter-Finals
Draper will face fifth seed Tommy Paul in the last eight, with the American coming through his own tough three-setter against Alejandro Tabilo. The head-to-head stands at 1-1, though they've never met on grass. Draper acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Tommy's one of the best movers on tour and has had great results this year. I'll need to serve big and take my chances when they come."
The British number one's recent form suggests he could be a genuine contender for the title:
- 15 wins from his last 17 matches
- Career-high ranking of 31 projected if he reaches the semi-finals
- Only player to win 80%+ of service games on grass this season
A Star in the Making
At a tournament steeped in tradition, Draper's victory continued Britain's strong recent record at Queen's, following in the footsteps of Murray's five titles and Cameron Norrie's 2021 triumph. Tournament director Luiz Carvalho praised the young left-hander: "Jack has that rare combination of power and touch that makes him so exciting to watch. The way he handled that pressure situation today shows he's developing into a complete player."
With Wimbledon just two weeks away, Draper's confidence on grass is peaking at the perfect time. His ability to make bold tactical decisions under pressure, as demonstrated by the racquet switch that turned Wednesday's match, suggests he's developing the mental toughness to complement his considerable physical gifts.
As the British summer of tennis heats up, all eyes will be on whether Draper can maintain his momentum. One thing is certain - his courageous racquet change at 4-4 in the decider will go down as one of the defining moments of this year's Queen's Club Championships.