Tickets were completely sold out for Friday’s night session in the Manolo Santana Stadium, and with good reason: Jack Draper and Lorenzo Musetti were due to clash on the clay of the Caja Magica in search of the second spot in Sunday’s final. The two players, each with their own respective style, did not let the fans down. It was a barnstormer of a match.
Draper, who come Monday will be the world number five – at the start of the year he was 18th -, dominated the match with his big-hitting tennis against a Musetti who, despite the defeat, delighted the masses with his one-handed backhand and feather touch. The Italian, introduced at the start of the match as ‘the illusionist from Carrara’, is a joy to watch with spectacular drop shots, volleys, sliced backhands and a versatile forehand. He has something for everyone.
His only problem tonight went by the name of Jack Draper, who won the encounter 6-3, 7-6 (4) in one hour and 58 minutes. The Briton is in the form of his life. Having been crowned champion of Indian Wells six weeks ago, the player from London seems to finally be free from injury and playing consistently. Now, at 23 years of age, he is starting to become the player people thought he could be five years ago. He is mature, he has an exquisite backhand and an increasingly powerful forehand.
In Madrid the Englishman is proving that there is nothing he cannot do. He arrived at the Caja Magica as one of the top seeds, but in reality few thought he stood much chance of lifting the title on Sunday. His record on clay to date was not one that spoke of a future champion on the surface: in Madrid he has claimed a third of all his career victories on the red stuff. Of 15 wins in total, five have come this fortnight in the Spanish capital, where he has not dropped a single set – and only 30 games – en route to Sunday’s final.
“Today the level was very high. Lorenzo has been on tour for many years, but now he’s top ten and playing the best tennis of his career, especially on clay”, said Draper in his on-court interview in a thrilled Manolo Santana Stadium: “Playing against an opponent like that in a packed stadium, in front of everyone, was incredible”.
“It’s an emotional moment for me. I’ve put a lot of work in for many years to be in a final like this. I work hard every day to get results like today’s. To me it’s very emotional to be in this final”, the Briton added of what will be his first title bout on clay.
“Now I want to enjoy this win, do something more relaxing tomorrow and get ready for the final on Sunday. Playing Casper will be a big challenge, it’ll be a great battle”, predicted a Draper who now has an opportunity to do something huge on Sunday.
