Queen’s 2024: Jack Draper beats Carlos Alcaraz in London

This match-up was a tantalising prospect which immediately caught the attention when the draw was made on the weekend.

The Wimbledon champion versus Britain’s most promising hope.

Draper has made nice strides over the previous 12 months, since getting back from the shoulder harm which dominated him out of the whole British grass-court swing final 12 months.

Dealing with Alcaraz was a take a look at of his progress – and he handed with flying colors.

Draper’s work in current months to be extra aggressive along with his explosive recreation, and dominating his opponent within the rallies, was seen in a assured show.

His mentality was equally spectacular. Draper regarded composed and targeted all through, rising to an event which he relished with out overexcitement compromising his execution.

“You must go on the market and actually consider you’ll be able to win the match – that’s what I did,” he mentioned.

After sealing victory, Draper initially remained cool as he shook fingers with Alcaraz however launched his emotion seconds later with an enormous leap into the air.

The passionate response of the Queen’s crowd confirmed their elation at seeing one other British star emerge.

Draper’s improvement has been well timed given the void which is ready to be created by Andy Murray’s impending retirement.

Even Murray, who is ready to retire from the game later this 12 months aged 37, has stoked the joy by backing Draper to go “proper to the highest” of the game.

“The extra instances you come by means of these robust moments, in opposition to nice gamers like Carlos, the extra you begin to consider you are able to do issues that you simply thought have been unattainable,” Draper added.

“The extra instances I come by means of these matches, the extra I consider I can go to the highest.”