Tennis

Jack Draper Upsets 2-Time IW Champion Carlos Alcaraz, Faces Holger Rune In The Final

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By
wendioliveros
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wendioliveros Sports Editor

Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.

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Sports Editor

Published15 Mar 2025

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Jack-Draper

Jack Draper just had the win of his life.  He defeated two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in three bizarre sets at the BNP Paribas Open semifinals.  In addition to advancing to his first ATP 1000 final, Draper will crack the Top 10 for the first time when the new rankings come out on Monday.

Draper came out blazing in the first set, and Alcaraz was error-prone.  It turned into a 24-minute one-sided affair with Draper winning 6-1.  The roles reversed in the second set, Alcaraz was making every shot, and Draper’s errors mounted.  Draper lost the second set 0-6.

The third set was the match.  Both players were playing better and testing one another on longer rallies.  Draper made amazing shots and held his serve while breaking Alcaraz two times.

Alcaraz kept fighting until the bitter end, but it was not his day.  Draper won the final set 6-4.

It is the first time he lost at the BNP Paribas Open in three years.  In 2022, he lost in the semifinals to another left-hander, Rafael Nadal.

Jack Draper Will Face Holger Rune In Sunday’s Final

Holger Rune won the earlier semifinal match by playing his match of the tournament against two-time BNP Paribas Open finalist, Daniil Medvedev.  Rune played smart and patient tennis.

Both Draper and Rune have dealt with illness and injury this season.  They appear to be healthy and in peak form for their final.

Holger Rune defeated Jack Draper in their only meeting in straight sets on the outdoor hardcourts in Cincinnati last year.

The BNP Paribas Open will crown maiden champions in men’s and women’s singles on Sunday.  Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka will face off at 2:00 PM EDT, and Rune and Draper will play at 5:00 PM EDT.  Watch all of the action on the Tennis Channel.