The British number one was accused of cheating on match point in his win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati.
Jack Draper Silences Critics with Commanding US Open Victory
British tennis star Jack Draper emphatically put recent controversies behind him, advancing to the second round of the US Open with a dominant performance against China's Zhizhen Zhang. Draper, who has been at the center of a heated debate following a contentious match point incident in Cincinnati, showed remarkable focus as he cruised to victory, forcing Zhang to retire after taking a commanding lead.
The 22-year-old Draper entered the tournament under intense scrutiny after being accused of cheating during a match against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The incident drew sharp criticism from players both past and present, and Draper admitted that the controversy weighed heavily on his mind as he prepared for the US Open. However, the British number one demonstrated his mental resilience on the court, putting on a masterclass in front of the New York crowd.
👏 @jackdraper0 advances to round 2 of the @usopen
Zhizhen Zhang is forced to retire through injury in the 3rd set#BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/HC4jODefQD
— LTA (@the_LTA) August 27, 2024
Facing Zhang, who was considered one of the toughest possible opponents in the draw, Draper wasted no time asserting his dominance. The first set was a tight affair, with Draper securing a crucial break to take it 6-3. From there, the British star shifted into another gear, reeling off 11 consecutive games to take the second set 6-0 and surge to a 4-0 lead in the third. With Zhang struggling in the sweltering heat, the Chinese player was forced to retire, handing Draper the victory.
This win marks a significant step forward for Draper, who has shown a particular affinity for the US Open. Last year, he made a deep run to the fourth round, and his opening-round performance this year suggests that he is once again in fine form. The 25th seed will now face either Argentina's Facundo Diaz Acosta or France's Hugo Gaston in the second round, with a tantalizing third-round showdown against world number one Carlos Alcaraz potentially on the horizon.
Draper's ability to stay composed and deliver such a dominant performance despite the recent controversy speaks volumes about his maturity and focus as a player. The victory also serves as a reminder of his potential as one of Britain's most promising tennis talents. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Draper to see if he can continue his impressive run and perhaps even challenge for the title.
