This video can not be played 'Unbelievably good!' - Draper's best moments against Popyrin British number one Jack Draper fought back from a set down to come through a tricky last-16 encounter with Alexei Popyrin and keep alive his hopes of a maiden title at Queen's. Draper had breezed through his opening match against Jenson Brooksby on Tuesday, raising hopes he could follow in Andy Murray's footsteps and win his home tournament. Those hopes will have been increased further after the 23-year-old dug deep to overcome world number 21 Popyrin, who knocked Novak Djokovic out of last year's US Open. The gruelling encounter in the west London sun went the distance but Draper came out on top in a thrilling third-set tie-break to progress 3-6 6-2 7-6 (7-5) , with the Briton punching the air in delight after sealing the win with an ace. Draper's win means there remains the prospect of an all-British quarter-final. He could next face Dan Evans if the former British number one beats American Brandon Nakashima in his last-16 match later on Wednesday. This video can not be played Draper produces 'explosive masterclass' to secure Queen's win All eyes have been on Draper this week as he takes on the pressure of being the great British hope with Wimbledon approaching. The 23-year-old has said he is comfortable dealing with that weight of expectation, and underlined that belief by producing some of his best tennis towards the end of the tie-break to seal the victory. Having found himself behind when Popyrin got the first mini-break, Draper used the support of the packed centre court crowd to fight back. A brilliant backhand down the line got the better of the Australian to put Draper on match point, and he sealed the win with a thunderous ace. Draper will have his eyes firmly set on winning at Queen's but he will have another incentive to keep progressing, as reaching the semi-finals will mean he is seeded fourth at Wimbledon. "It was a tough match, credit to Alexei, he played some amazing tennis," he said. "I love playing at home and in front of my friends and family. It's an emotional moment. "In the first couple of sets it wasn't pretty at all, I need time to adjust to the grass but it's one more under the belt."
Draper beats Popyrin to reach Queen's last eight
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Jack Draper Overcomes Alexei Popyrin to Advance to Queen's Quarter-Finals"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a thrilling match at Queen's, British number one Jack Draper showcased his resilience by coming from a set down to defeat Alexei Popyrin, securing his place in the quarter-finals. Draper, who had previously cruised through his opening match against Jenson Brooksby, faced a tougher challenge against the world number 21. Popyrin, known for his impressive performance at last year's US Open where he eliminated Novak Djokovic, put Draper to the test. The match unfolded under the sunny skies of west London, and after losing the first set 3-6, Draper rebounded to take the second set 6-2. The decisive moment arrived in the final set, which culminated in a nail-biting tie-break that Draper won 7-6 (7-5), punctuating his victory with a powerful ace that sent the crowd into a frenzy. His ability to rally back from a difficult position demonstrated not only his skill but also his mental fortitude, qualities essential for any player aspiring to win a major tournament like Queen's.
Draper's victory not only keeps his title hopes alive but also sets the stage for a potential all-British quarter-final against Dan Evans, should Evans win his match against Brandon Nakashima later that day. The young athlete has expressed confidence in handling the expectations that come with being a leading British contender, especially with Wimbledon on the horizon. Draper acknowledged the challenge of adapting to grass courts, admitting that the early sets were not his best. However, he found his rhythm as the match progressed, drawing energy from the supportive crowd and executing crucial shots, including a standout backhand that helped him reach match point. As he continues his quest for the Queen's title, advancing to the semi-finals would not only bolster his confidence but also secure him a fourth seed at Wimbledon, further elevating his status in the sport. Draper expressed his emotional connection to playing at home, appreciating the presence of friends and family as he navigates this pivotal moment in his career.
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