Jack Draper continued his strong form at the Italian Open, securing a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the second round. The match was a perfect example of Draper’s growing maturity and focus. Having recently finished as runner-up at the Madrid Open, Draper quickly got down to business in Rome, maintaining his sharp form with an impressive opening set. His serve was on point, and his forehand was aggressive, allowing him to dominate the first set.
However, the match became much more challenging in the second set as Darderi began to find his rhythm. The Italian’s spirited comeback was aided by the cool and slow evening conditions, which made the clay courts even more difficult to navigate. Darderi fought hard, pulling Draper into longer, physical rallies and claiming baseline dominance. Despite facing six break points, including four in a tense game at 3-3, Draper kept his cool under pressure, delivering crucial first serves and continuing his bold approach to attacking tennis. His resilience in those moments of pressure showed his mental toughness, a quality that separates the top players from the rest.
Draper himself acknowledged the importance of staying composed in such moments. He emphasized the significance of backing himself, particularly on break points, and not retreating when faced with pressure. His performance in these moments reflects the experience he is gaining as a top player, building belief in his game and his ability to handle intense situations. Draper’s win earned him a place in the third round, where he will face Vit Kopriva from the Czech Republic.
Earlier in the day, Emma Raducanu also progressed to the third round, though under much more unusual circumstances. Raducanu, who had been scheduled to face the 21st seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, found out just a few hours before the match that Alexandrova had withdrawn. The late replacement was Swiss player Jil Teichmann, who had lost in the final qualifying round and entered as a lucky loser. Despite the abrupt change in opponents and the unfamiliar challenge of facing a left-hander with a topspin-heavy forehand, Raducanu handled the situation with poise, securing a 6-2, 6-2 win.
The sudden change in her opponent’s style was a significant challenge, as Raducanu had been preparing for Alexandrova’s fast, flat, and aggressive game. Teichmann, on the other hand, was a more spin-oriented player, which required Raducanu to make quick adjustments. Raducanu admitted that it was difficult to adapt but was pleased with the way she managed the situation and executed her game plan. Her aggressive approach to tennis, especially her forehand, was evident throughout the match, reflecting the strategy she had set out to implement on clay. The win set up a third-round clash with Veronika Kudermetova, a former world No. 9.
In other matches, Cameron Norrie, who had entered the main draw as a lucky loser, was defeated 6-4, 6-2 by the 10th seed Daniil Medvedev. Sonay Kartal also fell to Linda Noskova, the 30th seed, with a 6-4, 6-2 loss.
Both Draper and Raducanu have shown impressive composure and resilience in the face of challenges, further solidifying their places among the rising stars in tennis. As they move deeper into the tournament, both players will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their strong form.
