The new British No1 Jack Draper is carving his way through the US Open draw like a chainsaw through cardboard.
On Monday, Draper came up against Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, a dangerous hitter who had not dropped a set in the first three rounds of this tournament, and who had beaten him on each of their previous three meetings.
Most observers were expecting a lengthy battle between two men whose rankings ā No 25 for Draper, 39 for Machac ā were in the same ballpark.
What we got instead was an absolute towelling, as Draper romped to a 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 victory in an hour and 42 minutes. It was the fifth-shortest completed match in the menās draw to date, and left Draper as the only player who still has not dropped a set.
Admittedly, Draper has been spared the need to play a seed in these early rounds, thanks to the unexpected exit of Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
But an open draw presents its own mental challenges, as the pressure and expectation levels ramp up. Draper has cashed in by spending only seven hours and seven minutes on the court as he reaches his first major quarter-final.
Thatās seriously economical. Frances Tiafoe, a man who has taken a more scenic route, has already racked up almost 12 hours in the same number of matches.
Machac admitted afterwards that he had become frustrated by his inability to gain any purchase on the match. His reaction was to rant at his coach, Daniel Vacek,, who wore a stern expression in his courtside perch.
There were a few moments when Machac was able to locate a big return, or an angled passing shot, and you thought he might suddenly click back into gear. But one of Draperās great strengths at this event has been his ability to fend off break points. He saved all six he faced in this match, making it 20 out of 21 over the tournament as a whole.
After the match, Draper admitted to feeling slightly bemused by the ease with which he has achieved this career-best run. āIām finding it strange. In some of the matches I kind of lose concentration because I feel like it is going quickly, and it is going my way.
āI think thatās why Iām saving a lot of break points, because in those moments Iām trying to pick my energy up. I feel like thereās still a long way for me to go and a lot that I can still improve on in this tournament, and I think obviously as the challenge gets higher and as I play even better players, I think hopefully my level will increase with that.ā
Draperās growing visibility in the sport was underscored by the fact that Anna Wintour ā the Vogue editor who is one of tennisās best-informed celebrity followers ā sat in his player box throughout the match.
āIt was amazing to have her here,ā said Draper of Wintour, who has previously become friendly with tennis legends Roger Federer and Serena Williams, co-opting them both into back-stage roles at the annual Met Gala.
āI donāt know too much about my fashion yet but she was saying how much she loves coming to the Open and she has had great relationships with tennis players. Hopefully she will be here for me further on in the tournament.ā
The first few games of Draperās latest match gave little hint of what was to come, as the two men traded service holds until 3-3. The trigger for the shift was an unusual one, as Machac ātubedā Draper at the net ā tennis jargon for hitting the ball straight at your opponentās body.
Draper fended the shot off with his right hand, and both players held up a hand at once to say āno hard feelingsā. But perhaps the incident affected Machacās concentration. He then committed four straight unforced errors to hand over an easy break. From the ātubeā onwards, Draper took control and won 15 of the remaining 18 games.
Tactically, it feels as though no one has worked out quite what to do against Draper and his unusual combination of virtues. One quirky feature of his game is that he is actually right-handed in everything but his tennis, and this makes his backhand unusually strong.
On the rare occasions that Machac earned a neutral ball to attack, he tried to hit deep to the Draper backhand and come forward. To his surprise, he often found himself lunging desperately to reach a wide passing shot or picking up a low ball off his shoelaces. Either way, he was in an awkward spot.
Despite the one-sidedness of this scoreline, Draper still has room for improvement. He made only 47 per cent of his first serves, which could have been an issue had Machac applied more pressure.
Afterwards, Draper admitted that āWe canāt play our best tennis all the time. Itās about how weāre coming through on the days when weāre not playing our best or when things arenāt perfect or when weāre not feeling great.
āIn my first few rounds I felt really quite tired, quite lethargic. Even though I havenāt played loads and loads of matches, this is my first year on tour, and with the Olympics and Montreal, Cincinnati, the tennis schedule is relentless. I had a day off yesterday, and I felt so much better. I feel very positive about where my base level is.ā
Draper sweeps in quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows: as it happened
07:59 PM BST
Brilliant and inspirational win
If he plays like that the sky is the limit. Well done Jack. Thanks for following with us and hopefully see you for the next one.
07:49 PM BST
More from Jack Draper on Sky
being multi-interviewed by Tiger Tim, Martina and others!
Jack: āFeels amazing being in the last eight. Means the world to me. Strange match today, I have played him multiple times and heās got the best of me, and watching his opening rounds I felt like he was rarely missing a ball. So I knew I had to be ready from the first ball. Match went so quick. I was trying to get myself up, almost, because it felt like it was all going my way. Tomas wasnāt at his best so I had to control my emotions, look after my emotions on the big points and I felt I did a good job on the mental side.ā
āIt is really important to have a great team around you. I have had amazing coaches, I wouldnāt be here without them. My coach James Trotman has been amazing, they have my best interests at heart and that is not always the case in professional sport because a lot of people are out for themselves.
āI have been through a lot with injuries, times I thought I might stop. I remember those moments.ā
07:35 PM BST
Tim Henman
āJack absolutely destroyed him. And impressive that when he was two sets to love he kept dominating because that is the time that you can let your opponent back in once he feels he has got nothing to lose.ā
07:34 PM BST
Jack Draper interview
āThe last few times we have played it was a really tough battle. I think maybe he was a bit off his best level today. I had to stray strong on the big points. It is amazing to play out here. Nice to do better this year. I just need to keep going. I love playing here in New York, I love these fans.
āI miss Andy, shout out to him. An icon of the game, I miss being next to his stinky clothes and shoes. If I have half the career he has had I will be a happy man.
āIt is cool to be different, to have a different style. Why not?ā
Rather inane post match interview – no fault of Jackās – as he is asked about Andy Murray, and then about his baggy shorts.
07:28 PM BST
Jack Draper wins 6-3, 6-1, 6-2
Machac has already stalked off the court, presumably for another row with his coach, by the time Draper has moved over to his chair.
07:25 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-6, 2-6 Draper
The comeback is on! A super volley gives Machac opportunities at 15-40 but he puts a groundstroke wide and now Jack Draper, pivoting to serve and volley, makes it deuce. Wins the next one as well. Itās match point to Jack Draper and, fittingly, he wraps it up with a powerful backhanded winner. Game, set and match to Jack Draper.
07:20 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-6, 2-5 Draper*
Machac holds his serve and now it is over to Jack Draper to see if he can serve it out for a place in the quarters.
07:14 PM BST
Machac* 3-6, 1-6, 1-5 Draper
Machac mounts a last stand and he has the Draper serve under some pressure. Itās 15-40 but Draper gets himself out of jail and eventually, albeit not without some toil, he holds the serve and Machac is on the brink.
07:12 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-6, 1-4 Draper*
Jack Draper breaks again, heās absolutely flying here and this is a hugely impressive win, probably the best British male display since Sir Andy was in his pomp. Machac is a proper player but heās been totally battered here.
07:11 PM BST
Machac* 3-6, 1-6, 1-3 Draper
The dominance continues as Draper holds.
07:01 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-6, 1-2 Draper*
Machac is on the board in the third set as he holds his serve. Heās got previous for heroic comebacks from two sets down, and heās gonna need one.
06:59 PM BST
Machac* 3-6, 1-6, 0-2 Draper
Jack keeps the pressure on with a hold.
06:58 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-6, 0-1 Draper*
Looking very much like āneverā for Machac. A double fault is among several low-lights as he loses his serve.
06:57 PM BST
Any way back for Machac?
Now or never for him.
06:52 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-6 Draper*
Thatās the second set for Jack Draper.
Tim Henman: āJack is looking so focused. No lapses in concentration. Machac is looking lost at sea. Heās coming forward then moving back. Draper has been world class.ā
Jack Draper has been unplayable for most of this match. Get some consistency and he’s going to win a slam.
ā Jon Horsley (@jonhorsley1) September 2, 2024
06:50 PM BST
Keeping cool
06:47 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-5 Draper*
Brilliant from Jack Draper as he plays a chipped backhand dink from the back of the court that just drops in. Very inventive. And better still, it gives him a break point. Which he soon wraps up! Machac looks like he doesnāt know if itās New York or New Year, heās coughed up another break and now heās over with the box giving coach an earful. Coach gestures dismissively and this does not look like a winning camp right now.
06:42 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-4 Draper*
Third double fault from Draper. But a much better point to follow, big serve, powerful play. Game to Draper.
06:41 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 1-3 Draper*
Machac on the board in the second set.
06:33 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 0-3 Draper*
Good commentary from Laura Robson who says that a keen gain in Draperās gain has been improving his ability to stop when he is losing energy/momentum shifting and change it up. A function perhaps of increased confidence in his physical ability.
Bit of a wobble here as he double faults but Jack finds an extra gear to save the break point and take firm control of this second set at 3-0.
06:28 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 0-2 Draper*
Machac not looking the ticket at all. His entourage are shaking their heads and generally looking nonplussed with their manās efforts. Heās bungled a point at the net and served two doubles in this game. Itās 30-40. Machac there for the taking I reckon. Jack has an opportunity but hits a drive just wide with plenty of court to aim at. At 40-40, an unforced error from Machac gives Draper another BP. Machac goes over to the bench and has a terse exchange. With the court at his mercy, Machac makes an unforced error and itās a break of serve for Jack Draper.
06:24 PM BST
Machac 3-6, 0-1 Draper*
Draper up and running in the second set as he holds his opening service game.
06:19 PM BST
First set to Jack Draper 6-3
Highly impressive on the first serve, 82% winning percentage omn first serve. Machac with 16 unforced errors and the Brit is sitting pretty.
06:16 PM BST
Machac 3-6 Draper*
Draper with the shot of the match so far as he runs across the baseline and unloads a double back hand winner. That was properly venomous, heās at his best when heās on he front foot and that has given him two set points. Machac saves the first and then a long rally ends with Jack hitting a ground stroke out. Deuce. But Machac is struggling to hold in this game. Draper is getting after his serve and now heās got Machac misfiring on the third shot of the rally – it blooters well out and Draper breaks again to win the first set.
06:14 PM BST
Machac* 3-5 Draper
Draper consolidates that with a hold.
06:11 PM BST
Machac 3-4 Draper*
First break of serve! Jack Draper has his nose in front. That was a poor game from Machac who made several unforced errors.
06:11 PM BST
Machac* 3-3 Draper
Jack wraps up his service game with an ace and neither of these guys is giving an inch on serve right now.
06:09 PM BST
Machac 3-2 Draper*
No messing about from TM as he holds that to love.
06:01 PM BST
Machac* 2-2 Draper
Jack looks to have got his serve working nicely. Big bomb down the middle to take him to 30-15, and a second ace now makes it 40-15. And a third! Thatās impressive serving and Machac had no chance in that game.
05:58 PM BST
Machac 2-1 Draper*
Machac wraps that game up with some authority, a forehands smash to close the deal.
05:48 PM BST
Machac* 1-1 Draper
First blow landed by Jack as he charges across the baseline and scores with a beefy thump of a passing shot down the line.
Machac has taken this game to deuce, however.
Heās a dangerous opponent. Big strength is his backhand. Serve is a weakness.
Draper wins the game when Machac puts a ground ball long.
Annabel Croft on the BBC: āQuite an intimidating start from Tomas Machac I would say because thereās no signs of any nerves at all considering the enormity of the match thatās in front of both of these players.ā
05:46 PM BST
Machac 1-0 Draper*
Machac, in blue shirt and white cap, a right-hander. Wins the first two points on serve without too much trouble. He throws the ball out quite wide when he serves giving him a rather round-arm delivery, but he gets a decent amount of power on it and heās held that opening service game without alarm.
05:44 PM BST
It will be Machac to serve first
He has a white baseball cap on backwards.
05:31 PM BST
Jackās Dream
05:19 PM BST
Jack Draper on court next
Iām sorry and a little surprised to say that Jasmine has gone down in straight sets there, the match took a little more than an hour and Muchova has put her away with some authority.
Still, it means that Brit action is incoming.
04:51 PM BST
Jack Draper coming up
Hello, good evening and welcome to our live blog of the US Open menās fourth round. Jack Draper is the last Brit in the draw and he faces the Czech Tomas Machac for a place in the quarter finals. Jack is the bookies favourite to progress and with both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz already out of the tournament, itās opened up quite nicely for one of the chasing pack to maybe have a week theyāll never forget.
Ranked 25 in the world, the big left-hander from Sutton has a chance to improve on his strong showing from last year, when he reached this stage (the furthest he has ever gone in a slam).
āI feel very different to last year,ā he said.
āI think I barely played any tennis in the year, struggling with injuries all the time, and then obviously came here.
āI think I was still sort of very nervous and unsure before matches, whether I would get through this one, [thinking] am I going to cramp in this one? Am I going to break down physically in this one?
āI feel very different now. Iām not waking up every day worried about playing five sets.ā
This match will be on Louis Armstrong Court after the conclusion of Karolina Muchova versus Jasmine Paolini. The popular Italian is a set down but, as she always does, fighting hard and youād not be surprised to see that go the distance. However, Jack could equally be beginning his match by say 6pm UK time. So stick with us and you wonāt miss a thing.
Draper says his āfirst proper yearā on the ATP Tour and a return to his old fitness trainer have him playing more confidently at the U.S. Open after a surprise run to the tournamentās fourth round in 2023 ranked 123rd in the world.
Now ranked No. 25 and carrying the torch for British menās tennis following the retirement of his tennis idol Andy Murray this summer, Draper made his return to the fourth round Saturday with a scrappy 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over Botic Van de Zandschulp on the Grandstand hard court.
āI thought I did a really good job overall, and my performance and everything, I think, got better as the match went on,ā Draper said after dispatching the Dutchman, who only two days earlier ousted tournament favorite Carlos Alcaraz in a second-round shocker.
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