Friday, November 22, 2024

Jack Draper makes Carlos Alcaraz feelings clear and is compared to Andy Murray after epic Queens win

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Jack Draper has lavished praise on Carlos Alcaraz after stunning the Spaniard at Queens on Thursday.

The Briton went into the match very much the underdog, with Alcaraz recently beating Alexander Zverev to win the French Open and claim a third Grand Slam of his career.


Yet Draper was outstanding against the 21-year-old on Thursday, with the 22-year-old winning 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

A class act, the Briton spoke to the BBC in the aftermath of his win and was quick to lavish praise on Alcaraz, who looked frustrated by his defeat.

Jack Draper was outstanding as he beat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of Queens

PA

He said he ‘knew’ he was facing a formidable opponent, with Alcaraz also previously winning Wimbledon and the US Open.

But Draper was proud of his own performance as he battled his way into the last eight.

“It was a really tough match,” he said.

“I knew coming out here that Carlos is the defending champion, he won Wimbledon, he’s an amazing talent.

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“I knew I had to come out here and play really well, and luckily I did that.”

Draper, who is the world No 31, achieved the victory while playing in front of his grandfather.

That, in his eyes, makes victory even sweeter.

“There’s no place I’d rather be right now. My family, my friends, the British support,” he continued.

“You guys are amazing. I want to keep playing here, I’ve been desperate to come back.

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“I’ve got my grandad here in the Under Armour – he’s just turned 80!

“My mum, my whole team, my school friends and all of you guys. Thank you.”

Draper is now set to battle Tommy Paul for a place in the semi-finals, with their match set to take place on Friday.

Paul reached the last eight with a straight sets win of his own, with the 27-year-old beating Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 6-4.

BBC pundits Andrew Castle and Annabel Croft, meanwhile, have hailed Draper for his sensational display.

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Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz was blown away by Jack Draper as the Briton made the quarter-finals of Queens

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Castle compared Draper to a young Andy Murray, saying: “You don’t get to the ranking Draper has got to without earning that position.

“I remember Murray here in 2005, and it is reminiscent of that.

“I think Jack can go a long way. It’s tempting to overhype things but if you can beat a reigning champion, a genuine superstar, you can get excited.

“This is a moment of arrival.”

And Croft was blown away by Draper’s composure, with the Briton keeping his cool as he consigned Alcaraz to defeat.

Jack Draper

Jack Draper has been compared to a young Andy Murray after his brilliant Queens win over Carlos Alcaraz

PA

“It is hard not to be impressed with that performance,” she said. “It was mesmerising.

“What was so impressive was his composure. He was incredibly focused from point number one and he really took his game and his weapons to his opponent.”

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