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 beaten in straight sets as Carlos Alcaraz clinches Italian Open quarter-final victory
Jack Draper was beaten 6-4 6-4 by world number three Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.
The British number one was looking to climb to fifth in the ATP rankings with a win, but he was ultimately undone in straight sets as Alcaraz saved six of the eight break points he faced to advance to the last four in Rome.
Draper was victorious the last time these two met, in the semi-finals at Indian Wells in March en route to the Englishman claiming his first Masters 1000 title, and he made a strong start this time, breaking serve to lead 4-2 in the first set thanks to an Alcaraz double fault.
Jack Draper beaten in straight sets as Carlos Alcaraz clinches quarter-final victory
Draper aiming to move up the rankings
Jack Draper is currently ranked fifth in the world rankings and would have reached fourth if he’d beaten Carlos Alcaraz.
The Brit will have the chance to move up if he performs strongly at the French Open later this month.
Draper was performed well on clay this season and their are encouraging signs he could have a good run at Roland Garros.
What next for Alcaraz?
Following his victory over Jack Draper, Carlos Alcaraz moves into the Italian Open semi-finals.
He’ll face either Lorenzo Musetti or Alexander Zverev who face each other later today.
Already in the final four is Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud who go toe-to-toe in the second semi-final.
More from Alcaraz:
"It's a shame I got injured just after Barcelona but you just have to accept it, keep going, and recover as fast as I can.
“I'm happy to be feeling in a good rhythm again on clay in Rome.
“This match gave me a lot of confidence."
Carlos Alcaraz on his victory:
"I think the most important thing was not thinking if I was up or down.
"I was doing the things which make me happy on court - trying to play aggressive, hitting good shots, drop shots, go to the net.
"That's what I like to do and that made the difference today. I played with such a high rhythm during the whole match and didn't let him dominate in the rallies.
"It was a good weapon for me and I'm really proud how I approached the match."
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jack Draper 6-4 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz moves into the semi-finals after defeating Jack Draper in straight sets at the Italian Open.
The Spaniard struggled through the second set and had to defend his own serve multiple times.
Draper had twice as many break points opportunities but couldn’t get over the line.
The big moments went to Alcaraz and he moves into the next round.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-6 Carlos Alcaraz
Here we go then. Can Carlos Alcaraz secure a spot in the semi-finals?
He follows up his serve with a drop shot that Draper sprints up to and pushes just past the baseline.
The next point goes to the Brit as Alcaraz whips a forehand well wide of court. 15-15.
The third rally is won by a powerfully backhand from Alcaraz that lands almost on the baseline and is too far for Draper to reach.
Draper then gets fortuitous as the ball drops over the net after clipping the tape but Alcaraz’s return forces him to sprint and he smokes a forehand into the net.
With two points to the good, Alcaraz plays safe in the next rally. He waits for the moment but Draper, trying to force the issue, sends the ball out of play.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the match in straight sets but that’s not a true reflection of this match.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz* - BREAK!
Draper has been so close to breaking Alcaraz throughout this second set but hasn’t got it done.
He now needs to hold serve and will have another opportunity. Alcaraz takes first blood in this game though with a forehand winner after a 20-shot rally.
Draper goes long in the next rally and Alcaraz opens a lead in the game. The Spaniard sets up three break points as Draper miscues a forehand over the back.
The drop shot wins him the game! And, crucially, earns Alcaraz a break.
He’s going to serve for the set.
*Jack Draper 4-6 4-4 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz looks to power through to a hold of serve but messes up a serve-and-volley.
That sets up Draper with a break point which could be momentus in this match.
Alcaraz’s serve is sent wide and lands right in the corner of the box for an ace!
As the game ticks over eight minutes, Alcaraz moves back into the lead - having saved two break points - and manages to hold serve once more.
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