Analysis: Jack Draper Is the Real Deal - Brit stuns Madrid with run to the final

Jack Draper continues to defy expectations in 2025, producing a scintillating run to the Madrid Open final without dropping a single set. The young Brit will now take on Norway’s Casper Ruud on Sunday, May 4, for a chance to capture his second Masters 1000 title of the season.

Draper’s meteoric rise this year shows no signs of slowing. After conquering Indian Wells with a statement victory—defeating Carlos Alcaraz en route to the title—the 22-year-old left-hander from London has seamlessly transitioned to the European clay season. Now, he stands one match away from another prestigious crown at the Caja Mágica.

Draper’s Dominance in Madrid

The current world No. 6 has delivered a remarkably composed and commanding campaign in the Spanish capital. His tournament began with a straight-sets win over the dangerous Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, 6-3, 6-4.

He then advanced past Matteo Berrettini in the third round after the Italian was forced to retire following a tightly contested opening-set tiebreak. Draper continued his run with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Tommy Paul—widely regarded as one of the Americans most comfortable on clay.

In the quarterfinals, Draper dismantled Matteo Arnaldi, who had stunned Novak Djokovic earlier in the tournament. Draper produced a flawless first set, delivering a ‘bagel’ before closing out the match 6-0, 6-4.

Friday’s semifinal posed his toughest challenge yet in Lorenzo Musetti, a recent Monte Carlo finalist. But Draper again stood firm, winning 6-3, 7-6(4) to book his place in the final without losing a set all week.

A Left-Hander Redefining British Clay-Court Tennis

Historically, British players have struggled to find success on clay—a surface more naturally suited to players adept at sliding and constructing points with patience. Draper, however, is rewriting the narrative.

His comfort and fluidity on the red dirt have surprised many, but the man himself was never in doubt.

“I haven’t played much on clay at ATP level, but as a junior—whether at home or around Europe—I always felt good on it,” Draper shared ahead of the tournament.

Technically, Draper possesses the tools to thrive on clay: heavy topspin off his forehand, a knack for opening up angles, and vastly improved physical conditioning. Compared to last year, he’s a more robust and resilient athlete—crucial qualities for surviving the physical demands of long rallies and drawn-out matches on slower surfaces.

A Rare British Success Story on Clay

British success on clay has been scarce. The standout exception remains Andy Murray, who forged a path for future generations with notable clay achievements—including a memorable run to the Madrid final in 2016 and a win in Rome that same year over both Nadal and Djokovic. He capped it with a runner-up finish at Roland Garros.

Draper’s surge this season seems to echo that legacy, building upon the precedent Murray set nearly a decade ago. While compatriots Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley also reached the last 16 in Madrid, it’s Draper’s all-court evolution that has separated him from the pack.

The Final Showdown: Power vs. Precision

Sunday’s final will be a compelling contrast in styles. Draper faces world No. 14 Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist and one of the game’s premier clay-court specialists. The Norwegian booked his place in the final with a win over Francisco Cerúndolo and enters with momentum and pedigree on this surface, having captured 11 of his 12 titles on clay.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Draper and Ruud at tour level, setting up an intriguing battle between Draper’s explosive left-handed game and Ruud’s rock-solid baseline consistency and clay-court IQ.

A win for Draper would not only solidify his status as one of the breakout stars of 2025 but would also further dismantle the myth of British ineptitude on clay. From Indian Wells to Madrid, he is proving that his game transcends surfaces—and stereotypes.

Can Jack Draper seal the deal in Madrid and stake his claim as a genuine contender for Roland Garros?