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 4-6 4-3 Carlos Alcaraz*
There may be an ominous sign for Draper. He’s been on top, has been playing the better tennis and hasn’t made many mistakes but he can’t distance himself from Alcaraz.
If the Spaniard turns it on again, he could power through to claim the match.
Draper fights to 30-30 against the serve but is wrongfooted by a forehand from Alcaraz. The Brit manages to loft a return back but the smash volley follows and he nudges himself ahead.
Lovely! Draper brings Alcaraz up to the net then whips a backhand down the line to move to deuce.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-3 Carlos Alcaraz*
Draper has been superb on his serve in this set (saving the first game) but a double fault opens a door for Alcaraz.
He looks to attack a forehand and skews it into the crowd putting Draper ahead at 30-15.
Alcaraz then messes up another drop shot attempt and shakes his head.
That leaves Draper with the onus to power through and clinch his hold of serve.
*Jack Draper 4-6 3-3 Carlos Alcaraz
Draper’s forehand is turned too long. He’s not quite on top but feels as though he’s almost in control of the set.
Alcaraz is powering through and clinging on to whatever points he can hold.
A finely directed backhand is latched onto by Draper but his return lands over the baseline.
Alcaraz is level again.
Jack Draper 4-6 3-2 Carlos Alcaraz*
Alcaraz gets his drop shot to work again and it’s come at a good time for him.
He moves to 15-15 then serves out wide and forces an error from Draper.
Draper is making the most of Alcaraz’s serve. He’s powering returns over from the baseline and Alcaraz is celebrating every point won.
The Spaniard inches ahead then whips a forehand too wide and allows the game to go to deuce again.
Jack Draper 4-6 3-2 Carlos Alcaraz*
Draper certainly has the momentum now.
He quickly sweeps through another service game to love and moves ahead in the second set.
A break of serve would be a handy reward for his control at present.
*Jack Draper 4-6 2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
Draper latches onto a forehand but sends it too long.
His attempt at a backhand down the line goes wrong as well and that hands the game to Alcaraz.
There’s plenty to encourage the Brit though.
Jack Draper 4-6 2-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
Can Alcaraz get his mojo back?
At the minute the Spaniard is making more errors and the margins of victory are siding with Draper who has come through a storm to keep himself in the match.
After giving up the first point of his next service game, Alcaraz powers a forehand down the line and forces Draper to stretch for his return.
He floats it over the net but Alcaraz smashes down a winner.
Draper doesn’t let him settle though and unloads another powerful forehand which rocks Alcaraz as he sprints across the baseline. He can’t return the ball and Drapers moves 15-30 ahead.
At 30-30, Alcaraz double faults to hand an opportunity to Draper.
He can’t take it. Deuce.
Jack Draper 4-6 2-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
Draper has wrestled some momentum away from Alcaraz with that last game and that is feeding his serve now.
Three quick points go the Brit’s way before he holds serve when Alcaraz pings a backhand wide.
*Jack Draper 4-6 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz - BREAK!
The last time Alcaraz was in this position he blitzed through two rallies to win the game.
When Draper hits the net Alcaraz moves to advantage but can’t force the winner with a forehand which goes past the baseline.
This is a big game for Draper. He needs to win it to get back on serve.
He saves another advantage with a driving forehand and rescues another point in the third deuce.
At 40-40, Draper inches ahead and closes out the game after another failed attempt at a drop shot!
Jack Draper 4-6 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
Alcaraz is trying to step up his game now. He’s got an early break in the set and is looking for that drop shot which has been dangerous so far.
After taking the first point of the next game, Draper then powers a return of serve too long and then punts a backhand into the net.
‘Come on!’ Draper says to himself as Alcaraz goes wide to leave this game level at 30-30.
Draper’s whipped forehand goes to long in the next rally and his team encourage him to keep on.
Alcaraz tries for the drop shot again but can’t get over the net and this game goes to deuce.
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