Draper takes on Thomas Machac in round four.
Jack Draper Leads British Charge at US Open, Gauff’s Title Defense Ends in Shock Defeat
Jack Draper, the last British player standing in the men’s draw at the US Open, will take to the court Monday with the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders. In what promises to be a thrilling fourth-round clash, Draper faces Tomas Machac, eager to continue his impressive run in Flushing Meadows. The 21-year-old Briton, who has battled through a season of injuries, finds himself in familiar territory, having also reached the fourth round last year. However, this time, Draper enters the match with a renewed sense of confidence and self-assurance, determined to go further than ever before.
Draper’s journey to the second week of the US Open has been nothing short of remarkable. His most recent victory, a commanding performance against Botic van de Zandschulp, the man who stunned world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament, showcased his growth both mentally and physically. Speaking ahead of his crucial match, Draper said, “I have so much more confidence in my mind and my body through experiences of playing on the tour now this year consistently. I do feel very different to last year and proud of my progress since then.”
Picture of the day
Draper feeling good
The British No.1 has endured a challenging 2023, plagued by injuries that tested his resilience and grit. Last year’s campaign saw Draper battling through pain, but this time around, he is embracing the challenge with a sense of calm and determination. With his fitness levels at their peak, Draper knows the opportunity is there for the taking as he looks to break new ground at the year’s final Grand Slam.
For Draper, the weight of expectation might be heavy, but it is a burden he is more than willing to carry. A win against Machac would not only be a personal milestone but a significant moment for British tennis, as the young star aims to become the first Briton to reach the US Open quarter-finals since Andy Murray in 2016. While the road ahead is tough, Draper’s resilience and newfound confidence could see him take a giant leap forward in his burgeoning career.
On the other side of the tournament, drama unfolded in the women’s draw as defending champion Coco Gauff’s dreams of back-to-back US Open titles were crushed in a stunning fourth-round upset. Gauff, who has been riding a wave of momentum since her breakthrough victory at last year’s tournament, fell to her Olympic teammate Emma Navarro in a tense three-set battle
Point of the day
CATCH ME OR I GO HOU-DIMI 🇧🇬
Sensational escape from @GrigorDimitrov! pic.twitter.com/lTbGQgxV5L
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2024
Quote of the day
Coco crashes
Gauff, who was hoping to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to defend her US Open crown, started the match on the back foot. Navarro, playing in front of her home crowd in New York, came out firing, taking the first set 6-2. Gauff rallied in the second, displaying the tenacity and fighting spirit that has endeared her to tennis fans worldwide, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough. Navarro’s relentless pressure and precision play saw her prevail 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
For Navarro, the win marks another step in her remarkable rise as a legitimate Grand Slam contender. The 22-year-old has now beaten Gauff in consecutive majors, having previously defeated her at Wimbledon earlier this year. This victory, however, felt sweeter, as Navarro overcame the defending champion in front of her hometown fans. “It’s a dream come true to play and win here in New York,” said Navarro, who is now setting her sights on a maiden Grand Slam title.
While Gauff will no doubt be disappointed with the loss, the young American remains one of the brightest talents in the sport. Her career is still on a steep upward trajectory, and despite the setback, she will return stronger, eager to add more major titles to her collection.As the US Open heads into its most exciting stages, both Draper and Navarro are poised to make headlines. Draper’s resilience and self-belief could see him become a new British tennis hero, while Navarro’s quest for her first Grand Slam title has captivated the New York crowd. One thing is certain: the drama and excitement at Flushing Meadows are far from over.
Stat of the day
What's on tomorrow?
Arthur Ashe: Schnaider v Pegula, Borges v Medvedev, Swiatek v Samsonova, Sinner v Paul
Louis Armstrong: Muchova v Paolini, Draper v Machac, Wozniacki v Haddad Maia, De Minaur v Thompson
