'I need to play my A game if I want to beat him': Carlos Alcaraz keen to take 'revenge' for Indian Wells semifinal defeat against Jack Draper

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has praised Britain’s Jack Draper and called him ‘one of the best players in the world’. Both players are set to face off in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Rome Open. The ATP 1000 event is now moving towards conclusion, with remaining players giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Alcaraz cemented his spot in the last eight of the competition after beating Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the round of 16 with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. On the other hand, Draper cemented his spot in the quarterfinals of the mega-event after beating France’s Corentin Moutet with a score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Those results set up a mouthwatering contest, which will be the rematch of the Indian Wells earlier this year, where Draper came out on top against the young Spaniard with a score of 6-1, 0-6, 6-4. Alcaraz spoke to the tennis channel ahead of the contest and praised the British tennis star, who, according to him, is ‘one of the best players’ in the world. The reigning world number three also stated that he is keen to take ‘revenge’ against Draper for the Indian Wells semifinal defeat.

"I think his game is pretty much the same as it always is," said Alcaraz. "So I don't think it is going to be that different from Indian Wells, so I just have to be ready for that. I am looking forward to playing against Draper again. He is one of the best players in the world right now. He shows how good he is making the final in Madrid and he is playing great. I have been watching his matches lately and I know what he can play. It is going to be an interesting match for the fans and it is going to be a really beautiful match to watch. I am looking forward to playing against him and get the revenge for Indian Wells. I have to be ready, I need to play my A game if I want to beat him and we will see."