Jack Draper continued his remarkable clay-court breakthrough by reaching the final of the Madrid Open, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6(4) in a gripping semi-final clash. The 23-year-old, who came into the tournament still searching for confidence on the surface, now stands one win away from securing the biggest clay title of his career.
Draper arrived in Madrid hoping to prove he could translate his hard-court success to clay. Now, not only has he achieved that, but he has also reached his second Masters 1000 final of the season, following his Indian Wells triumph in March. The win over Musetti also ensures he remains unbeaten in the tournament, not having dropped a single set so far.
This latest victory carries added significance as Draper has now become only the third male player born in the 2000s to reach a Masters 1000 final on both hard and clay courts. His rapid rise has seen him break into the world’s top five for the first time, a milestone he secured earlier in the week.
Against Musetti, Draper faced his toughest test of the tournament. The Italian, known for his flair and versatility, has been in excellent form and was a finalist in Monte Carlo just weeks prior. Musetti’s athleticism and tactical variety posed a serious challenge, but Draper responded with a performance of control, aggression, and resilience.
The opening set saw Draper assert his authority with powerful, deep groundstrokes, particularly off his forehand, which has become a major weapon in recent months. Musetti eventually found rhythm in the second set, using his own forehand to dictate rallies and placing Draper under sustained pressure.
Despite the momentum shifting, Draper held firm. His improved mental toughness was on full display as he remained composed, adapted his tactics, and began incorporating serve-and-volley plays to disrupt Musetti’s rhythm. In the decisive tiebreak, Draper raised his level once more, sealing the win with clutch play at key moments.
One touching element of the evening was the presence of Draper’s mother, Nicky, in the stands. Her previous visits to watch him live had coincided with disappointing performances, but this time her presence brought a new kind of luck. Draper joked beforehand about his reservations over her attending, but acknowledged after the win that he was glad she came.
Throughout the tournament, Draper has demonstrated the completeness of his game. While his serve continues to be a strength, his return game has matched it, and his movement on clay has become increasingly fluid. Perhaps the biggest evolution has been in his forehand, which has grown into a commanding shot capable of dictating points on any surface.
Musetti praised Draper’s all-court capabilities, noting the difficulty of facing such a complete and powerful left-handed player. With his confidence growing, Draper has silenced doubts about his clay-court potential and proven he belongs among the elite on all surfaces.
In the final, Draper will face Casper Ruud, who earned his place by defeating Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5. The clash promises to be a fascinating battle between two rising stars, each hungry for a major clay title. Draper’s run in Madrid has already marked a turning point in his career; now he stands on the brink of an even greater triumph.
