Taylor Fritz didn’t need to win a match on the Rolex Paris Masters in an effort to formally clinch a spot within the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals.
And it’s a superb factor, too, as a result of Fritz misplaced his opener in opposition to Jack Draper on Wednesday night time. Draper, who’s coming off a title on the indoor laborious courts of Vienna, stayed pink sizzling by prevailing 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4. The British lefty has now gained seven matches in a row and 9 consecutive accomplished matches (he retired within the Tokyo quarterfinals in opposition to Ugo Humbert earlier this month).
“I do know if I need to be a constant prime participant I’m going to need to again up match after match in opposition to the highest gamers on the planet,” mentioned Draper. “The hardest half (in Paris) has been adjusting to the situations. It’s lots completely different, lots sooner, which has made it more durable off the bottom. I didn’t play my greatest, however I’m happy with how I competed and problem-solved.”
The world No. 15 should be at his greatest if he needs to achieve the quarterfinals, as a result of a motivated Alex de Minaur can be on the opposite aspect of the online on Thursday. De Minaur is hoping to affix Fritz in Turin and the Tenth-ranked Aussie will transfer into place if he wins his subsequent match. A victory over Draper would ship him previous present No. 8 Andrey Rublev within the race.
De Minaur continued his Nitto push with a 6-4, 7-6(5) defeat of fortunate loser Miomir Kecmanovic within the second spherical.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
