Jack Draper is through to the Last 16 of the Japan Open after taking down Italian ace Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-2 and now face Hubert Hurkacz.
Draper has already technically had one match as he won in the doubles alongside Tomas Machac defeating Alexander Erler and Matwe Middelkoop 4-6, 7-6, 10-8 earlier this week.
But he had to wait to open his account. It was a close start between the pair with Draper just about edging it 6-4 to open up. But from there Draper eased into a 5-1 lead in the second set. He converted three break points on the way to victory.
Read also
He also hit 10 aces during the win to confound his dominance over the Italian in what is his first match since his US Open run. There he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. He also had a disappointing Davis Cup. Great Britain failed to make it through with Canada acting as party poopers on home soil.
But the 22-year-old broke into the World's top 20 from reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final and will hope to continue that form from here. Earlier this week, he said consistency was firmly on his mind.
"I want to get to the position where I'm consistently winning and playing at a high level week in, week out," he said.
Also in Tokyo, Alex Michelsen pulled off a shock win over Stefanos Tsitsipas as form misery continued for the Greek. It was a first set win for him as he claimed it 6-4. But he fell off a cliff as Michelsen won the next two easily 6-1, 6-2.
Tommy Paul eased about his business against Matteo Arnaldi claiming it 6-3, 6-2. Whilst Felix Auger-Aliassime was also on the receiving end of a shock loss to Yoshihito Nishioka getting beaten 6-7, 6-3, 6-7.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
