Draper throws Tsitsipas off balance at Cincinnati Open

Jack Draper (No. 28) pulled off a remarkable comeback against Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 11) at the Cincinnati Open, winning 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, and advancing to the Round of 16. The Brit continues his impressive form, reaching 15 Masters 1000 victories tournaments so far.

In the first set, both struggled to land their first serves, with Draper hitting 55% and Tsitsipas 48%. However, both were nearly flawless when playing with their first serve, Draper winning 91% of them and Tsitsipas 81%. Tsitsipas secured the first break in the 4th game, which was enough to hold onto his serve for the rest of the set and close it out 6-3.

In the second set, Draper continued his high effectiveness with his serve, avoiding long rallies with Tsitsipas, at least from his serve. The Brit No. 1 was more aggressive with 9 winners compared to 7 from his rival. Everything was even, and neither player managed to create break opportunities for most of the set.

With Draper leading 5-4, Tsitsipas succumbed to the pressure, conceding a break opportunity to his rival, who took it to secure the set 6-4 and force a third one.

Draper saved three break points early on, but managed to hold his serve. The match remained even until 4-4, when Tsitsipas secured a break and had the chance to serve for the set. However, Draper immediately broke back to love, extending the match further.

The blow significantly affected Tsitsipas, while Draper won 12 of the last 14 points. After securing a second consecutive break, the Brit avoided a tiebreak and completed the comeback 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. In the third round, he will face the winner between 7th seed Casper Ruud (No. 8) and Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 19).