MATCH REPORT | 2024 Japan Open: Jack Draper surges past Hubert Hurkacz as seed struggles continues

British Number One, Jack Draper is through to the Quarter-Finals of the 2024 Japan Open after sealing a straight sets victory over second seed Hubert Hurkacz as the problem with seeded players continues to be highlighted.

Draper who of course being a player on the rise and just outside of the seeds similar to Arthur Fils with Fritz yesterday is a danger to the big names especially when undercooked.

Hurkacz is second seed but isn't a true reflection on his form with the Pole currently recovering from a meniscus tear that he rushed back from earlier this year in Canada after only a few weeks. This means he has had minimal time to recover and was beaten today by Draper 6-2, 6-4 in Tokyo. It was hard fought by the Briton but still a pretty simple assignment relative to ranking and status in the game.

Draper won two of seven break point chances and saved three of his own. The victory was the World Number 20's third against a top 10 opponent in 2024. This is his most in a single season. Also during the tie, he was able to deny Hurkacz on each of the three opportunities the World Number Eight. It also maintains Draper's charge towards the ATP Finals in Turin. He sits in 20th and with the seed cull could make further strides this week.

He will next play the victor of Ugo Humbert and Brandon Nakashima. This also highlights the seed cull though with Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Frances Tiafoe all out early.

A crushing blow for the tournament with all their big names gone but a chance for Draper and also Ben Shelton who defeated Mariano Navone 6-4, 6-3 to book his Quarter-Final spot. They could yet thrive in Tokyo especially given the loss of seeded stars.