Jack Draper sealed an epic win over Carlos Alcaraz through the night as the Brit continues to show why he deserves his spot on the top table of tennis. But it also threatened to descend into chaos due to a double dose of VAR.
Draper chased down a shot from Alcaraz and won the point only for the umpire to declare that he did not return the shot in one bounce. But after a video review proved it did not bounce twice, the umpire wanted to replay the point.
He believed that Alcaraz's shot was hindered. However Draper contested this call and argued that it should be his point and as a result asked for a second video review.
He was finally awarded the point after the video review confirmed that Alcaraz in fact was not hindered and that Draper would've won the point anyway.
Not that it mattered a great deal in the context of the match with Draper going on to win through 6-1, 0-6, 6-4. He faces Holger Rune this evening in a blockbuster clash with a first time champion crowned in California.
After not fulfilling his potential for part of his career due to injury, Draper has managed to find his way through despite everything and after losing to Rublev in Dubai finds himself not only in back-to-back finals but for a chance at redemption.
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.
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