Jack Draper has achieved the most outstanding achievement of his career by reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 US Open. To become the fourth British man to reach the men's singles final, Draper, 22, must beat the current world number one.
Jannik Sinner will stand in front of the 25th seed when they meet at 02:00 on September 7 (Vietnam time). According to former US Open champion Greg Rusedski, his compatriot has a "real chance" to cause a shock. So, what are Draper's chances?
Serve powerfully and intelligently
Before this week, Draper had never made it past the fourth round of a Grand Slam. In these two weeks in New York, he played with confidence and clarity, easily reaching the fourth round without dropping a set.
Draper's serve is the cornerstone of his game, and he has only been broken three times in five matches. Draper has won 175 of his 216 (81%) points on his first serve, a statistic that underscores the importance of this weapon.
"Jack has to serve extremely well, which is what he has done well throughout the tournament," said former world number four Rusedski.
"Being left-handed is a huge advantage because all the important points at 15-30, 30-40 or game point are usually on the side you like - serve out to the net to open up the backhand and then get a quick ball into the forehand."
Use variety, but wisely
It won't surprise you to learn that Sinner has very few weaknesses. The Australian Open champion - who is seeking his second major title of the season and of his career - has a strong all-round game.
According to ATP Tour statistics measured over the past 52 weeks, Sinner is currently the seventh-best serveer and seventh-best returner.
He is rated as a top player when playing under pressure - this takes into account the results of break points and deciding sets.
"Jack has to attack his second serve," Rusedski said. "He also has to open up on the forehand side and not let Sinner hit his forehand into the backhand corner and into the backhand side.
Using a little variety and moving forward is also important.
Draper had to get to the net his way, but that was difficult to do because Jannik hit the ball so hard.
But he lost sets against [Daniil] Medvedev and [Mackenzie] McDonald when they tried to come forward, attack and get that combination. It's a matter of balance."
Suitable speed
Draper's early professional career was plagued by physical issues, but his breakout in New York was a result of getting stronger this season.
His powerful game is also well suited to the hard courts at Flushing Meadows. "Jack has improved a lot in the last few months," Rusedski said.
"He's been working a lot on his serve and transition, he's gotten a lot stronger physically.
I think the hard courts in the US suit his style of play because they are fast, quick and bouncy. With that combination, it would be ideal for Jack.
But the problem is being able to adapt physically from start to finish in a five-set match against a player of Sinner's quality."
