The match’s momentum shifted in Draper’s favor after an unexpected incident during the changeover after the ninth game of the opening set. As rain began to sprinkle on the court, Fritz took a moment to pack his racquet away and sat down expectantly, while Draper was already poised to continue.
Following a brief interruption, the umpire prompted Fritz to return to play, but something seemed amiss as he looked unsettled on his return. Draper maintained his concentration, and Fritz started to unravel, a stark contrast to his earlier performance with five solid service games.
Draper’s powerful first serve set a stable foundation, allowing him to unleash a formidable forehand that left his opponent struggling. The Briton quickly seized the upper hand, carving out a remarkable victory. Now, he stands on the brink of another milestone as he gears up to face Shelton, with a shot at reaching the semi-finals of a Masters event for the first time.
Reflecting on his journey, Draper shared, “I’ve got plenty left to prove, not just to myself but to everyone. Being a top 10 player is more than just talk until you actually make it there. My drive pushes me to demonstrate my true potential,” he added passionately.
