Red-hot Jack Draper storms into Madrid Open final

The British No 1 beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6[4] in a high-quality contest to book a place against Norway's Casper Ruud in Sunday's final, where he bids for a second Masters title in two months after his win in Indian Wells in March.

This would also be Draper's first clay court title, with the young Brit leaping up to No 2 in the ATP Race, which charts form over the course of the calendar year.

The win against Musetti saw Draper rise above Alexander Zverev in the ATP Race, with only Carlos Alcaraz now ahead of him in a ranking that will determine the eight players who will qualify for the prestigious ATP Finals in November.

Draper's appearance in the Madrid final will also cement his place at No 5 in the official ATP Rankings when they are updated on Monday.

Once again, the 23-year-old was hugely impressive as he overcame Musetti, with his power-packed game blowing his rival away in the first set.

He then had to dig deep to come through the second set tie-break when Musetti was threatening, with Draper relieved to get over the line.

"I felt I went a bit passive in moments and at this level against that calibre of opponent, he is not going to let you off the hook," Draper told Sky Sports Tennis.

"I think I did a great job changing tactically - serve-volleying and being a bit more on the front foot.

"In these moments now, I am thinking about all the pain I go through on a daily basis on the practice court, in strength and conditioning, all the sacrifices. I try and remember why I do it.

"It's points like those where I have to push myself a bit more and be the braver person."

Looking ahead to the final against Ruud, he added: "Ruud is a two-time French Open finalist and very accustomed to the clay. A big pro, always gives his best so that will be real, real challenge, but I am ready after beating someone like Lorenzo [Musetti]. I feel confident to give it my all and physically I feel good.

"I came through some five-setters at the Australian Open earlier in the year when not at my best and that has stayed in my memory."

Draper's optimism was contrasted by concern for Ruud, who admitted he was struggling with an injury as he beat Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5.

"I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish the match, honestly. I felt something in my rib during the warm-up, just towards the end before going out (on court)," Ruud said.

"I felt it in nearly every shot, especially the serve. Luckily, I got some quick treatment on it. There's not too much you can do, you only have three minutes (with the physio). So I will go and check it out more now.

"Hopefully it's nothing too bad, it was quite sharp. Not an ideal start, but I managed to keep it together and play some really good tennis when I had to."

Draper will move to just 25 points behind world No 4 Taylor Fritz in the ATP Rankings if he beat Ruud in the final.

With Draper having no ranking points to defend at next week's Rome Masters and Fritz defending 200 points from his run to the quarter-finals in that tournament last year, it now seems likely that the young Brit will be in the top four of the ATP Rankings heading into the French Open at Roland Garros later this month. 

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