Britain’s Jack Draper is through to the Stuttgart Open final after defeating the USA’s Brandon Nakashima 6-3 6-3 in Saturday’s semi-final.
The 22-year-old has reached ATP 250 event semi-finals on two previous occasions, losing to Frenchman Adrian Mannarino at the Sofia Open in November 2023 and to Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka at the Adelaide International back in January.
Draper will face Italian Matteo Berrettini in Sunday’s final, live on Sky Sports, after Berrettini beat compatriot Lorenzo Musetti 6-4 6-0 in the other semi-final on Saturday.
The Brit, seeded sixth in Germany, knocked out the defending champion Frances Tiafoe of the USA in the quarters.
He was in total control against Nakashima, forcing break point in the opening game, and never took his foot off the gas with two breaks of serve in the first set.
A single break was enough to get the job done in the second set as he earned a spot in his second final of the year after also reaching a showpiece match in Adelaide.
“It’s an amazing feeling. Bradon is an incredible player, and it was just so good to play that level of tennis out here,” Draper said courtside.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to be [British No 1], so of course [it makes him proud]. It’s a real honour to be in that position and hopefully I can carry the flag forward.
“I’ll give it my best shot [in the final]. Everyone here is incredible, so if I come out and play the way I have been, I’ll give myself a good shot at winning.”
In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.
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.
Kevin De Bruyne will face a late fitness test ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday.The Belgium playmaker was forced off at half-time during
An early season title race showpiece awaits Premier League fans in Gameweek 5 as perennial champions Manchester City take on Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday. I
A naive and bewildered Daniel Dubois turned to his father for support when asked to share his dreams and aspirations.The teenager was giving his first interview
RankDriverNumberTeamFastest LapLaps11Lando NorrisNOR44McLaren1:33.9031:33.9036622Charles LeclercLEC1616Ferrari1:34.0391:34.0397733Lance StrollSTR1818Aston Marti