Jack Draper Wins Amidst Controversy at Cincinnati Open

Jack Draper triumphed over Felix Auger-Aliassime 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 at the Cincinnati Open amidst controversy. Auger-Aliassime contested the final point, arguing that Draper’s shot had hit the frame and then the floor. Despite his protests and replays supporting his claim, the umpire upheld Draper’s victory. Jack Draper, who faces Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, stated he did not see the disputed point clearly and would have replayed it if the supervisor had confirmed an error.

In a separate incident, Carlos Alcaraz experienced frustration during his second-round match against Gael Monfils. After being defeated 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, Alcaraz smashed his racquet in frustration, describing the match as the worst of his career. He apologized on Instagram for his behavior and promised to improve his on-court demeanor for the upcoming US Open which begins on August 26.

In other Cincinnati Open highlights, women’s world number one Iga Swiatek advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Marta Kostyuk. Swiatek will face Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Jasmine Paolini 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Aryna Sabalenka also secured a spot in the quarter-finals with a 7-5, 6-2 victory against Elina Svitolina. Jessica Pegula won two matches in a day, first overcoming Karolina Muchova 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 and then defeating Taylor Townsend 6-2, 6-3.

With the US Open drawing near, innovations like expanded video review systems promise to reduce controversial decisions in upcoming tournaments.