Jack Draper books spot in Madrid Open final after sealing massive bonus

Jack Draper is through to the Madrid Open final

Jack Draper booked his spot in the Madrid Open final with another impressive victory. The world No. 6 has yet to drop a set at the Caja Magica this fortnight. And he maintained his unbeaten record against Lorenzo Musetti in Friday night’s semi-final, downing the recent Monte-Carlo runner-up 6-3 7-6. The Brit had already sealed his top-five debut with his win two days ago and will overtake Novak Djokovic when the rankings update on Monday. After being crowned the Indian Wells champion earlier this season, he’s now one win away from lifting his second Masters 1000 title in less than two months. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Draper has been on a tear in Madrid. Coming into the semi-final, he had dropped just eight games across his last two matches, and he showed no signs of slowing down against Musetti. The Italian is a skilled clay-court player. He recently reached the Monte-Carlo Masters final and won an Olympic bronze medal on the surface last summer. But he still couldn’t end Draper’s dominant run in Spain. Musetti got back on serve after getting broken in the first game of the match. But Draper remained focused, immediately breaking again. He continued to put Musetti under pressure, and the world No. 11 had to save a set point at 5-2, but Draper got the job done himself, closing out the first set in 50 minutes. Draper blew a chance to break early in the second set and just started to take his foot off the gas, with his forehand no longer firing as much. But the Brit kicked into action when he faced a break point at 3-4, roaring when he saved it and put himself ahead.

Jack Draper roared in delight after reaching his second Masters 1000 final

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The fifth seed was the one with his back against the wall, twice serving to stay in the set, but he managed to force a tiebreak. Draper got the first mini-break when Musetti ripped a forehand that just missed the line, putting his head in his hands. It proved crucial, and the British No. 1 sealed his spot in Sunday’s final with his 20th winner of the match. After embracing Musetti at the net, Draper lifted his arms into the air before pumping his fists. Afterwards, the fifth seed admitted it was tough to get past Musetti - someone he now has a perfect 4-0 record against. “I mean it felt like a key moment every point, I thought the level was really high from both of us,” he told Sky Sports. “I played Lorenzo all throughout the juniors, and it’s always been tough battles. I felt he’s, A, a different animal on the clay, but also, his results and the way he is, he’s grown also a lot in the last however long since I’ve played him.

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