Tennis

Felix Auger-Aliassime's promising run at the Cincinnati Open came to an abrupt and controversial end in the Round of 16 against Jack Draper. The Canadian star was on the cusp of leveling the match when a contentious decision by chair umpire Greg Allensworth handed the victory to Draper.Draper's match-point shot appeared to bounce twice on his side of the court before clearing the net, which should have awarded the point to Auger-Aliassime. However, without access to instant replay, Allensworth ruled in Draper's favor, sparking a heated debate on the court.Auger-Aliassime, who had earlier defeated Casper Ruud in convincing fashion, was visibly frustrated by the decision. He engaged in a lengthy discussion with both Draper and the umpire, arguing that the point should have been awarded to him due to the double bounce."Did you not see the ball bounce on the court?" Auger-Aliassime asked the umpire."I did not see that," Allensworth replied.Despite Auger-Aliassime's protests and a subsequent intervention by the tournament supervisor, the umpire's decision stood, and Draper advanced with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory.The incident has reignited calls for broader implementation of video review systems in tennis, similar to those used at the US Open. While the US Open has invested in this technology, most other tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open, have not, leaving players and fans frustrated when critical points are decided by potentially incorrect human judgment.This issue is not new; players like Denis Shapovalov and Daniil Medvedev have previously raised concerns about the consistency and accuracy of officiating in tennis.Auger-Aliassime expressed confidence that the umpire would realize the error once he reviewed the footage after the match. "It's going to look ridiculous," he said. Draper, too, seemed uncertain about the legitimacy of the point, indicating that he would have been willing to continue the match if a replay had been available.The controversy surrounding Auger-Aliassime's match has highlighted the need for improved officiating tools in tennis. Video review systems can provide a more accurate and consistent way to adjudicate close calls, reducing the potential for human error and ensuring that matches are decided fairly.

Ben Shelton's resilience was on full display in Cincinnati as he overcame a match point deficit to reach the round of 16. The left-hander's hard-fought 6-7 (6), 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry showcased his determination and ability to perform under pressure.Shelton faced an uphill battle after losing a 6-3 lead in the second-set tiebreaker. However, he summoned his inner strength and delivered a powerful first serve to deny Etcheverry's match point. The Argentine's backhand error handed Shelton the set, setting the stage for a thrilling decider.In the third set, Shelton's persistence paid off as he converted his second break point with a potent inside-out forehand. He then closed out the match with a love hold, securing a hard-earned comeback victory."These are the types of wins that really propel you," Shelton said. "The ones where you are tested, back against the wall and you come through in the big moments. That's what's really important to me about this one."Fellow left-hander Jack Draper also displayed his tenacity in a three-set battle against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite Tsitsipas serving for the match, Draper rallied to win the final three games and oust the ninth seed."It's very difficult conditions here in Cincinnati," Draper said. "I think what won me the match today was the way I competed. My determination to win, I think that showed in key moments."Draper's victory marked his second win over Tsitsipas, adding to his 2022 second-round triumph in Montreal. He will now face the winner of the match between Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime.In an evening session showdown, second seed Carlos Alcaraz was leading Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-6 (1-3) when rain suspended play for the night. The outcome of their match remains to be determined.

Cameron Norrie, the British No. 2, is set to face off against Jack Draper, the British No. 1, in a highly anticipated all-British matchup at the ATP Tour event. Norrie, despite a challenging season, remains a formidable opponent, known for his fighting spirit and resilience.In his previous match, Norrie easily covered an 8.5-game spread against Facundo Diaz Acosta, showcasing his dominance on the court. While Norrie may not be the favorite in this matchup, he has a proven track record against Draper, having won both of their previous encounters in straight sets.Draper, on the other hand, has made significant improvements since their last meeting in 2022. However, concerns remain about his fitness, as he needed three hours and 30 minutes to defeat Elias Ymer in the opening round. Norrie's ability to force extra shotmaking and frustrate Draper's aggressive style could prove to be a decisive factor in the match.Norrie's underdog status could also work in his favor, as he thrives in such situations. The crowd's support could also play a role in boosting his confidence and motivation.While the match is expected to be competitive, Norrie's experience, resilience, and favorable matchup against Draper make him a strong contender to cover the 4.5-game spread. Additionally, a small play on Norrie to win outright at +235 odds could yield a significant return.

Jack Draper, the newly-crowned British No. 1, stunned the tennis world by defeating world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the cinch Championships on Thursday. The 22-year-old Draper, who captured his first ATP title at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart just last week, extended his winning streak to seven matches with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over the Roland Garros champion.Draper's triumph marks the biggest win of his young career and comes as a major upset, given Alcaraz's impressive form on grass. The Spaniard had won Queen's Club and Wimbledon back-to-back last summer and was looking to build on his unbeaten run on the surface in 2023.However, Draper, who is playing at a career-high ranking of No. 31, proved to be too strong for Alcaraz on this occasion. The Brit, who had defeated former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in the BOSS Open final, carried his momentum into Queen's Club and played with confidence and aggression throughout the match.The first set was a tight affair, with both players holding serve comfortably. However, Draper seized the initiative in the tiebreaker, racing through the first four points and ultimately sealing the set 7-3.Draper continued to impress in the second set, earning the match's first break point when Alcaraz served down 2-3. The Brit converted the break point and saved a break point of his own to edge within a game of the upset.Alcaraz fought back bravely, saving a pair of match points down 15-40 and a third as the game sprawled across six deuces. However, Draper remained composed and served out the match to secure a famous victory.Up next for Draper is an opportunity for another upset in No. 5 seed Tommy Paul, who is yet to drop a set at Queen's Club. Draper leads Paul 3-1 in their head-to-head meetings.

Jack Draper, the rising star of British tennis, has made waves both on and off the court. Fresh off his triumph at the BOSS Open, the 22-year-old has graced the pages of British Vogue, showcasing his passion for fashion and his meteoric rise in the ATP rankings.In an interview with Vogue's Emily Chan, Draper revealed his enjoyment of being in front of the camera, stating, "If I'm looking good, that is." His comments sparked a reaction from former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard, who tweeted, "If I had said this 10 years ago I would have been crucified."Despite his newfound modeling success, Draper remains focused on his tennis career. His victory in Stuttgart propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 31, making him the likely top-ranked British player ahead of Wimbledon 2024.Draper is set to face reigning Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz at the cinch Championships in Queen's Club. While he acknowledges the fulfillment he finds in modeling, he emphasizes that tennis remains his top priority. "Right now I'm giving myself the best chance to progress and beat the best players in the world," he said.Draper's journey has been marked by both success and adversity. In 2021, he suffered a serious ankle injury that sidelined him for several months. However, he has returned stronger than ever, proving his resilience and determination.As he prepares for Wimbledon, Draper is confident in his abilities. "I'm feeling good about my game," he said. "I've been working hard and I'm ready to compete with the best."

Jack Draper's perseverance paid off on Sunday as he claimed his maiden ATP singles title at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart. The 22-year-old Brit overcame a resilient Matteo Berrettini in a thrilling three-set battle, 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.Draper's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became the first British player to win an ATP singles title since Andy Murray in 2016. The triumph also propelled him to the top of the British rankings, ensuring his seeding at the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.The match was a testament to the determination and resilience of both players. Berrettini, a two-time champion in Stuttgart, looked poised to secure a third title when he took the first set. However, Draper refused to be deterred and fought back valiantly in the second set.Despite facing two match points in the second-set tiebreak, Draper displayed nerves of steel to save them both and eventually clinch the set. The momentum shifted in his favor, and he carried that confidence into the deciding set.Draper's serve proved to be a formidable weapon throughout the match, as he fired 13 aces. He also showcased his impressive court coverage and ability to retrieve Berrettini's powerful shots.In the end, it was Draper's unwavering belief in himself that carried him to victory. "It's incredible," he said post-match. "It was a really, really tough match. But I'm really happy to win my first title. It means so much to me."Berrettini, who was seeking his second title of the year, was gracious in defeat. "Congrats to Jack. Unbelievable week. Unbelievable match. I was so close," he said. "This one is going to hurt for a little bit, but that's tennis."Draper's victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. After missing the entire grass-court season last year due to injury, he has made a remarkable comeback. His rise to the top of the British rankings and his maiden ATP title are a testament to his talent and determination.

Jack Draper's impressive performance at the Boss Open continued on Friday as he defeated defending champion Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set quarterfinal match. The British star, making his tournament debut, served up a staggering 31 aces to secure a 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(1) victory.Draper's victory marks his sixth career ATP semifinal appearance and is projected to elevate him to a new career-high ranking of No. 33, just one spot outside a guaranteed seed for Wimbledon. The 22-year-old missed last year's home Grand Slam due to a shoulder injury.Draper's dominance was evident in the second and third sets, where he did not face a single break point. He rallied from a 0-30 deficit in the opening game of the decider and maintained his serve throughout.After failing to convert a match point in the 10th game, Draper seized control in the tiebreak, winning the first two points and the last five. "I am really happy with how I served and it was a really high-quality match," Draper said post-match.Draper will now face American Brandon Nakashima in the semifinals, while two-time tournament champion Matteo Berrettini will take on compatriot Lorenzo Musetti. Berrettini, who has won the Stuttgart title twice before, advanced with a straight-sets victory over James Duckworth.