Jack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz LIVE: Italian Open result and reaction from blockbuster quarter-final
The British No 1 takes on the four-time grand slam champion in a mighty last-eight meeting
Jack Draper’s run at the Italian Open is over after a straight sets defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday afternoon. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the close contest fought between the two men who put on a centre court show that was ultimately decided by the Spaniard.
Draper started strongly and utilised his powerful serve to set down a marker and hold his first few service games whilst attacking the serve of Alcaraz. The first set was a close contest, both men made errors but both were equally impressive from the baseline with passing winners and driving hits.
Alcaraz found plenty of joy with his drop shot and that was the difference that took him to a 6-4 victory helping him win three games in a row at the back end of the set.
He did the same in the second set to clinch a 6-4 6-4 win overall but Draper can feel hard done bay. He created twice as many break point opportunities as Alcaraz but the Spaniard’s defence was incredible. He held serve having been forced to deuce in four consecutive games before running through a dip in form from Draper to take the win and earna spot in the semi-finals.
Relive the updates from the Italian Open quarter-final with our live blog below:
*Jack Draper 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz serves to Draper’s backhand then marshalls his opponent along the baseline. The Brit’s next shot goes too long but he’s moving well.
Alcaraz then flicks a shot too long in the next rally having been forced back by Draper but a delightful backhand sets up an overhead smash for the Spaniard.
The next two points go his way as well and this first set is level.
Jack Draper 1-0 Carlos Alcaraz*
Alcaraz is quick to settle on the clay and forces Draper wide to the right side of court before switching with a forehand to take a point.
Draper moves ahead again when Alcaraz goes long and moves to 40-15 as his opponent fails to return a serve.
The first game is a strong hold from Draper, despite a double fault, which will settle any nerves.
*Jack Draper 0-0 Carlos Alcaraz
Draper has the first serve of the match and sends the ball down the T to Alcaraz’s backhand.
The two lock into a long rally first up and Draper comes to the net. Alcaraz looks for a passing forehand but clips the top of the net and gives up the first point.
15-0.
Jack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz
The players go through a few serves to warm up ahead of the start of this match.
These two have played each other five times, Alcaraz has the edge having won three of the previous encounters but Draper triumphed last time they faced each other.
Draper heads out onto centre court
Jack Draper is introduced to the crowd on centre court and heads out to a smattering of applause.
He seems relaxed and determined. This is his first meeting with Carlos Alcaraz on clay so it seems like the Spaniard may have a slight advantage.
Alcaraz has a plaster across the bridge of his nose. He is focused already and has a good record on clay.
Draper vs Alcaraz
Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz have just been spotted going through a few warm ups before heading out onto the court.
Draper was skipping to get the legs going and heart pumping.
The Brit famously defeated Alcaraz at Indian Wells earlier this year and will hope for a similar result today.
Gauff defeats Andreeva in straight sets
The American makes it a fourth win out of four against Mirra Andreeva having come through the tie break 7-5.
Gauff advances into the semi-finals at the Italian Open in Rome.
A loud roar of triumph and a fist pump followed her win. Gauff will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Qinwen Zheng in the next round.
Up next will be Jack Draper’s clash with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles.
Coco Gauff on verge on victory
Coco Gauff is closing in on a victory over Mirra Andreeva having taken the first set 6-4.
The two are locked in a tie break in the second set with the players level at 5-5.
Gauff is two points away from victory but if Andreeva can win she’ll force a third set decider.
Order of play - Wednesday 14 May
Campo Centrale (from 12pm BST)
Coco Gauff (4) vs Mirra Andreeva (7)
not before 2pm
Jack Draper (5) vs Carlos Alcaraz (3)
not before 6pm
Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs Qinwen Zheng (8)
not before 7.30pm
Lorenzo Musetti (8) vs Alexander Zverev (2)
Emma Raducanu set for final French Open tune-up after Strasbourg wildcard
Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, is set to squeeze in one more tournament before she begins her bid at Roland-Garros with the 2021 US Open winner looking to build on an encouraging run at the Italian Open by taking a wildcard in Strasbourg.
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