Jack Draper Reaches First Grand Slam Semi-Final

Jack Draper continued his impressive run at the 2024 US Open, defeating Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. The 22-year-old Briton, ranked 25th in the world delivered a strong performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium despite receiving treatment for a leg issue during the second set. De Minaur, also hampered by injury concerns, struggled to keep up with Draper’s powerful serve and forehand.

Draper, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament is the first British man to reach the semi-finals in New York since Andy Murray’s 2012 title win. His breakthrough follows a challenging year marked by injury setbacks but he has risen steadily in 2024 becoming British number one in June. Draper’s success has drawn comparisons to Emma Raducanu’s fairytale US Open victory in 2021.

However, unlike Raducanu’s unexpected triumph, Draper’s rise is seen as the fulfillment of his long-standing potential having been a Wimbledon junior finalist and previously taking a set off Novak Djokovic at 19. Jack Draper will face a formidable opponent in the semi-final either world number one Jannik Sinner or 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev. Despite being the underdog, his strong form and composed mindset could lead to another upset.

Despite being the underdog, Draper’s calm demeanor and solid form suggest he could continue making history for British tennis.