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.

Draper Rallies Past Tsitsipas in Three-Set Showdown

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.

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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.

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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).