Illness forced Jack Draper of Great Britain to withdraw from his match against Alex de Minaur in the Mexican Open semifinal on Friday.
Jack Draper, the 22-year-old was forced to retire with a 3-6 6-2 0-4 deficit, thereby extending his quest for an ATP Tour title as De Minaur advanced to play Casper Ruud in the championship match.
In his on-court interview, De Minaur stated, “I’m happy to be in the final, but I’m hoping that Jack is doing fine.” “It is difficult to play when your opponent is physically unwell, but you must maintain your concentration.
Because you’re caught in a state of confusion, I believe they are the hardest moments for a player to govern. He is incredibly talented, and maybe he may get well in time for the next competitions.”
Draper and De Minaur met a third time; the latter had won their
After winning their first two matches, Draper faced De Minaur in their third encounter, which was the latter’s first-ever ATP 500 semifinal. However, in the fifth game, a few careless blunders gave De Minaur the opening break.
After winning their first two matches, Draper faced De Minaur in their third encounter, which was the latter’s first-ever ATP 500 semifinal. However, in the fifth game, a few careless blunders gave De Minaur the opening break.
While Draper was serving to remain in the set, the Australian pulled off the same ruse. The British player’s sickness worsened in the second set, and a doctor and physiotherapist arrived to treat him.
Despite his glitch, Draper found a sixth gear and stormed to a 5-1 lead in the second set. De Minaur held with three straight aces to stay in the set, but the Australian would have to settle for a decider.
At the beginning of the third set, though, Draper failed to maintain the same level of enthusiasm as before. He was broken to 15 in both of his opening service games, making three double faults and having trouble with his mobility.
With one hour and forty-eight minutes remaining in the last set, the world number fifty retired, sending De Minaur into the Mexican Open final versus Ruud, owing to the Norwegian’s three-set victory over Holger Rune.
Draper was one of two British players slated to play in the San Diego Open semifinals this weekend. Katie Boulter, who defeated Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals on Friday, will face Emma Navarro in the championship match.
