Carlos Alcaraz powered into the semi-finals of the Italian Open with a clinical 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jack Draper, delivering a performance filled with intent and precision. It was a display driven by more than just the pursuit of a place in the next round Alcaraz came into this match eager to avenge his defeat to Draper at Indian Wells earlier this season, and he did so with ruthless efficiency.
The match was a showcase of Alcaraz at his best, particularly during key moments in each set. Though both players were evenly matched for long stretches, the Spaniard found another gear when it mattered most, finishing each set with a burst of dominant play. Draper, despite battling hard and pushing Alcaraz throughout, fell just short when composure and execution were most needed.
For Alcaraz, the victory is not just about progression in the tournament; it’s also a statement that he is rounding into top form at a crucial time in the clay-court season. He has endured a challenging few months, with the pressure of expectations heightened in the absence of Jannik Sinner. Yet his triumph in Monte Carlo and now this commanding win in Rome suggest he is regaining the rhythm and intensity that define his game. “It probably was one of the most complete matches that I played this year,” he reflected.
Draper, meanwhile, was left to grapple with a frustrating loss. The British player, who has enjoyed a strong season with finals appearances in Madrid and now a quarter-final showing in Rome, acknowledged his disappointment with his performance, particularly from a mental standpoint. He made it clear that he holds himself to high standards and feels the sting of losses more deeply now that he knows he can compete at the highest level.
In their last meeting, Draper had unsettled Alcaraz with his aggressive, fearless play. That memory clearly lingered with the Spaniard, who admitted to struggling with nerves ahead of that match. This time, however, Alcaraz approached the challenge with renewed focus and confidence, determined to dictate the terms from the very first point.
Draper began brightly, even breaking to lead 4-2 in the first set after a loose service game from Alcaraz. But the Spaniard quickly found his footing, reclaiming the break with a strong return game. From there, Alcaraz seized control, using his powerful forehand, deft drop shots, and assertive net play to dismantle Draper’s resistance.
Despite the scoreline, the match was tightly contested, especially in the second set where Draper generated multiple chances. But at the decisive moments, he faltered, his frustrations evident as Alcaraz closed out the match with authority. Draper admitted afterward that he let himself down emotionally and mentally, noting that it’s precisely these areas he must improve to join the ranks of the game’s elite.
Still, Draper’s upward trajectory on clay continues. Once considered his weakest surface, he has now put together an impressive stretch during the clay swing and will head to Roland Garros as a top-five seed at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. This run in Rome adds further weight to his credentials as a serious contender.
While Alcaraz got his revenge, Draper remains hungry for another shot perhaps in Paris. With both players clearly on the rise, their budding rivalry looks set to continue on the biggest stages.
