MadridBriton to face Paul next at ATP Masters 1000
April 29, 2025
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Jack Draper in action at the Mutua Madrid Open. By ATP Staff
Jack Draper has advanced to the fourth round for the first time at the Mutua Madrid Open after Matteo Berrettini retired from the pair’s clash Tuesday at the clay-court ATP Masters 1000.
Despite letting slip two set points in each of the 10th and 12th games, Draper took the opening set 7-6(2) before Berrettini promptly retired from the third-round match. The No. 31 in the PIF ATP Rankings Berrettini, who withdrew from Munich earlier this month due to a foot injury and is 12-9 for the year after his Madrid exit, appeared to tell his opponent he had an abdominal injury.
“I think he said his abs were pulling,” said Draper. “I’ve had injuries in the past. I believe he might have done it in his last match, so credit to him for coming out here and putting on a good first set. I saw his energy was a bit low in general. Matteo is normally a very positive player, so it’s always tough to see a friend having an injury.
“It’s plagued him a lot, myself as well, so I know how he feels. I hope he’s able to come back for Rome and I wish him all the best. He’s a great guy.”
Jack leaps forward 🔛
Unfortunately Berrettini is forced to retire with injury with @jackdraper0 7-6(2) up@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/yk9HzWXtfH
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 29, 2025
The World No. 6 Draper will take on 11th seed Tommy Paul in the fourth round after the American overcame Karen Khachanov 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. Paul leads Draper 3-2 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, although none of their past meetings have been on clay.
“I’m feeling better and better,” said Draper of his own form so far in Madrid. “Obviously the more matches I play, the more chances I get to play at the highest level on this surface is key for me. To keep learning, to get better and better. I’m feeling good, honestly. I’m trying g to learn which shots to play at the right time and all that kind of thing… I really want to be a really good clay-court player. Hopefully I’ll get there. Maybe I won’t, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
