British No 1 Jack Draper reeled off the last three games to produce a gutsy three-set victory against ninth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Cincinnati Open on Thursday.
Tsitsipas served for the match at 5-4 in the third set, but Draper won 12 of the last 17 points to claim a stunning 3-6 6-4 7-5 win and reach the third round.
“I think Stefanos has a big presence and the court was insanely fast, so it’s hard to play good tennis,” Draper told Sky Sports.
“In the first hour I really struggled… and that just isn’t good enough against these top players.
“In general, my grit, my determination and my attitude won me the match today, so I’m very proud of that.”
Draper is now 2-0 against Tsitsipas and he will take on the winner of seventh seed Casper Ruud or Felix Auger-Aliassime for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Tale of the Tape
Alexander Zverev became the first player to earn 50 tour-level wins this season after defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-2 for an opening win.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of Alexander Zverev against Karen Khachanov
“I felt well on the court,” said Zverev, who lifted the trophy in Cincinnati in 2021. “I have felt good in practice and then it is easier to bring on court. I didn’t feel well in Canada at all, even in the few matches I won. I hope my form is getting better and better and I can play some good tennis.
“We are very similar players. We are both very tall and good baseline players and when we are both playing it is about form and who is playing better and today I am happy that it was me and I got a good win today.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Yoshihito Nishioka was given a game penalty after being warned multiple times by the umpire to calm down in his match against Hubert Hurkacz
In other action, fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz rallied past Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 to set up a meeting with Flavio Cobolli.
Cobolli led 7-6 (7-4) 3-1 when his Italian compatriot Luciano Darderi retired due to illness.
There were also wins for Andrey Rublev, Brandon Nakashima, Ben Shelton and Holger Rune.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch the US Open live and exclusive on Sky Sports from August 26 to September 8. All courts will be available to watch for on Sky Sports Tennis and on Sky Sports+ via the app and red button
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Find out all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours
In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.
- Cincinnati Open (ATP 1000) – Until August 19
- Cincinnati Open (WTA 1000) – Until August 19
- Winston-Salem Open (ATP 250) – 18-24 August
- Tennis in the Land, Cleveland (WTA 250) – 18-24 August
- Abierto GNP Seguros, Monterrey (WTA 500) – 19-24 August
- US Open (ATP/WTA) – 26 August – 8 September
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.