Jack Draper Triumphs in First Grass Match of the Season at Queen’s Club
British No. 1 Jack Draper showcased his skills on grass with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory against Jenson Brooksby, advancing confidently to the second round of the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships. This victory marks Draper’s first win on grass this season and adds to the excitement surrounding the 23-year-old’s ambitions at this year’s HSBC Championships.
Draper’s Quest for Glory
As the tournament’s second seed, Draper aims to achieve a historic feat: becoming only the second British man to win the singles title in the Open era, following in the footsteps of tennis legend Andy Murray. Draper began his campaign on the iconic court named after the five-time champion, signaling his aspirations and the high stakes of the tournament.
In an amusing nod to his mentor, Draper remarked, “Can’t get rid of this guy. Andy is an unbelievable guy, someone I’m very inspired by. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.” He further added, “I definitely miss him on the Tour. Thank you, Andy, this court deserves to be named after you.” Draper’s performance was seamless, with a close call when he dove for an overhead, narrowly avoiding injury, but he ultimately sealed the first set with a powerful forehand. He capped off the match with his eighth ace and celebrated the victory by writing ‘good to be home’ on a camera lens.
Next Challenge: Alexei Popyrin
Draper’s next opponent will be Alexei Popyrin from Australia, currently ranked 21st in the world. Their upcoming encounter is expected to be a tough test for Draper as he aims to maintain his winning momentum.
Carlos Alcaraz Continues Winning Streak at Queen’s Club
Following his thrilling victory at the French Open, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 14 matches with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) win over Australia’s Adam Walton. Alcaraz reflected on his quick transition from clay to grass, stating, “I had some days off, and I made the most of it. After the French Open, it’s just a week to switch to grass, so I don’t have too much time.” His impressive performance indicates his readiness for grass-court challenges.
Jannik Sinner Set to Shine
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, playing in his first match since narrowly missing the Championship at the French Open, achieved a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. The world’s top-ranked player commented, “First matches are never easy on grass. Let’s see what’s coming in the next round.” Sinner’s confidence remains high as he aims to continue his excellent run.
Katie Boulter Dominates at the Nottingham Open
In Nottingham, defending champion Katie Boulter continued her impressive form with a 6-2, 6-2 win against New Zealand’s Lulu Sun. This victory marks Boulter’s ascension toward her third consecutive title at the Lexus Nottingham Open, further solidifying her status as a rising star in British tennis.
Excitement for Upcoming Matches
Boulter expressed her relief after winning, saying, “I wasn’t feeling amazing coming into this match, but stepping onto this court, I feel I’m right back at home.” The next challenge features an all-British battle against fellow player Sonay Kartal, with Boulter acknowledging the mutual respect between them. “I know how good she can be and dangerous. We actually played a really close match on grass a few years ago, so I know it’s going to be an absolute battle,” Boulter emphasized.
Emerging Talents in British Tennis
In addition to Boulter, other British players have made headlines, including teenager Mimi Xu, who marked her WTA Tour debut with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over American Katie Volynets, highlighting a promising new wave of talent in British tennis. At just 17 years old and ranked 350 in the world, Xu is making a strong case for a wild card at Wimbledon.
Surprise Upsets in Early Rounds
In an unexpected turn of events, No. 1 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia suffered a first-round exit, losing 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5 to unseeded McCartney Kessler. In the Berlin Open, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka exited early as well, losing to Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, who rallied from a set down to complete a thrilling comeback.
Watch Live Tennis Action
Fans can catch all the excitement of the ATP and WTA Tours, including the US Open live on Sky Sports, where this year’s coverage is set to offer over 50% more live sports action. Join the excitement and don’t miss a moment of the action!