Jack Draper’s run at the Italian Open is over after a straight sets defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday afternoon. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the close contest fought between the two men who put on a centre court show that was ultimately decided by the Spaniard.
Draper started strongly and utilised his powerful serve to set down a marker and hold his first few service games whilst attacking the serve of Alcaraz. The first set was a close contest, both men made errors but both were equally impressive from the baseline with passing winners and driving hits.
Alcaraz found plenty of joy with his drop shot and that was the difference that took him to a 6-4 victory helping him win three games in a row at the back end of the set.
He did the same in the second set to clinch a 6-4 6-4 win overall but Draper can feel hard done bay. He created twice as many break point opportunities as Alcaraz but the Spaniard’s defence was incredible. He held serve having been forced to deuce in four consecutive games before running through a dip in form from Draper to take the win and earna spot in the semi-finals.
Relive the updates from the Italian Open quarter-final with our live blog below:
Jack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz LIVE
- Jack Draper faces Carlos Alcaraz in the Italian Open quarter-finals
- The pair have never clashed on clay but Draper won last meeting at Indian Wells
- GAME, SET and MATCH! Alcaraz fights through second set to win match 6-4 6-4
- SET! Alcaraz comes from a break down to clinch the first set
Jack Draper beaten in straight sets as Carlos Alcaraz clinches Italian Open quarter-final victory
17:21 , Mike JonesJack Draper was beaten 6-4 6-4 by world number three Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.
The British number one was looking to climb to fifth in the ATP rankings with a win, but he was ultimately undone in straight sets as Alcaraz saved six of the eight break points he faced to advance to the last four in Rome.
Draper was victorious the last time these two met, in the semi-finals at Indian Wells in March en route to the Englishman claiming his first Masters 1000 title, and he made a strong start this time, breaking serve to lead 4-2 in the first set thanks to an Alcaraz double fault.
Jack Draper beaten in straight sets as Carlos Alcaraz clinches quarter-final victory
Draper loses to Alcaraz at Italian Open
16:45 , Mike Jones
Draper aiming to move up the rankings
16:39 , Mike JonesJack Draper is currently ranked fifth in the world rankings and would have reached fourth if he’d beaten Carlos Alcaraz.
The Brit will have the chance to move up if he performs strongly at the French Open later this month.
Draper was performed well on clay this season and their are encouraging signs he could have a good run at Roland Garros.
What next for Alcaraz?
16:32 , Mike JonesFollowing his victory over Jack Draper, Carlos Alcaraz moves into the Italian Open semi-finals.
He’ll face either Lorenzo Musetti or Alexander Zverev who face each other later today.
Already in the final four is Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud who go toe-to-toe in the second semi-final.
More from Alcaraz:
16:25 , Mike Jones"It's a shame I got injured just after Barcelona but you just have to accept it, keep going, and recover as fast as I can.
“I'm happy to be feeling in a good rhythm again on clay in Rome.
“This match gave me a lot of confidence."
Carlos Alcaraz on his victory:
16:17 , Mike Jones"I think the most important thing was not thinking if I was up or down.
"I was doing the things which make me happy on court - trying to play aggressive, hitting good shots, drop shots, go to the net.
"That's what I like to do and that made the difference today. I played with such a high rhythm during the whole match and didn't let him dominate in the rallies.
"It was a good weapon for me and I'm really proud how I approached the match."
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jack Draper 6-4 6-4
15:59 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz moves into the semi-finals after defeating Jack Draper in straight sets at the Italian Open.
The Spaniard struggled through the second set and had to defend his own serve multiple times.
Draper had twice as many break points opportunities but couldn’t get over the line.
The big moments went to Alcaraz and he moves into the next round.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-6 Carlos Alcaraz
15:55 , Mike JonesHere we go then. Can Carlos Alcaraz secure a spot in the semi-finals?
He follows up his serve with a drop shot that Draper sprints up to and pushes just past the baseline.
The next point goes to the Brit as Alcaraz whips a forehand well wide of court. 15-15.
The third rally is won by a powerfully backhand from Alcaraz that lands almost on the baseline and is too far for Draper to reach.
Draper then gets fortuitous as the ball drops over the net after clipping the tape but Alcaraz’s return forces him to sprint and he smokes a forehand into the net.
With two points to the good, Alcaraz plays safe in the next rally. He waits for the moment but Draper, trying to force the issue, sends the ball out of play.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the match in straight sets but that’s not a true reflection of this match.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz* - BREAK!
15:49 , Mike JonesDraper has been so close to breaking Alcaraz throughout this second set but hasn’t got it done.
He now needs to hold serve and will have another opportunity. Alcaraz takes first blood in this game though with a forehand winner after a 20-shot rally.
Draper goes long in the next rally and Alcaraz opens a lead in the game. The Spaniard sets up three break points as Draper miscues a forehand over the back.
The drop shot wins him the game! And, crucially, earns Alcaraz a break.
He’s going to serve for the set.
*Jack Draper 4-6 4-4 Carlos Alcaraz
15:46 , Mike JonesAlcaraz looks to power through to a hold of serve but messes up a serve-and-volley.
That sets up Draper with a break point which could be momentus in this match.
Alcaraz’s serve is sent wide and lands right in the corner of the box for an ace!
As the game ticks over eight minutes, Alcaraz moves back into the lead - having saved two break points - and manages to hold serve once more.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-3 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:40 , Mike JonesThere may be an ominous sign for Draper. He’s been on top, has been playing the better tennis and hasn’t made many mistakes but he can’t distance himself from Alcaraz.
If the Spaniard turns it on again, he could power through to claim the match.
Draper fights to 30-30 against the serve but is wrongfooted by a forehand from Alcaraz. The Brit manages to loft a return back but the smash volley follows and he nudges himself ahead.
Lovely! Draper brings Alcaraz up to the net then whips a backhand down the line to move to deuce.
Jack Draper 4-6 4-3 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:34 , Mike JonesDraper has been superb on his serve in this set (saving the first game) but a double fault opens a door for Alcaraz.
He looks to attack a forehand and skews it into the crowd putting Draper ahead at 30-15.
Alcaraz then messes up another drop shot attempt and shakes his head.
That leaves Draper with the onus to power through and clinch his hold of serve.
*Jack Draper 4-6 3-3 Carlos Alcaraz
15:31 , Mike JonesDraper’s forehand is turned too long. He’s not quite on top but feels as though he’s almost in control of the set.
Alcaraz is powering through and clinging on to whatever points he can hold.
A finely directed backhand is latched onto by Draper but his return lands over the baseline.
Alcaraz is level again.
Jack Draper 4-6 3-2 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:29 , Mike JonesAlcaraz gets his drop shot to work again and it’s come at a good time for him.
He moves to 15-15 then serves out wide and forces an error from Draper.
Draper is making the most of Alcaraz’s serve. He’s powering returns over from the baseline and Alcaraz is celebrating every point won.
The Spaniard inches ahead then whips a forehand too wide and allows the game to go to deuce again.
Jack Draper 4-6 3-2 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:26 , Mike JonesDraper certainly has the momentum now.
He quickly sweeps through another service game to love and moves ahead in the second set.
A break of serve would be a handy reward for his control at present.
*Jack Draper 4-6 2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
15:23 , Mike JonesDraper latches onto a forehand but sends it too long.
His attempt at a backhand down the line goes wrong as well and that hands the game to Alcaraz.
There’s plenty to encourage the Brit though.
Jack Draper 4-6 2-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:21 , Mike JonesCan Alcaraz get his mojo back?
At the minute the Spaniard is making more errors and the margins of victory are siding with Draper who has come through a storm to keep himself in the match.
After giving up the first point of his next service game, Alcaraz powers a forehand down the line and forces Draper to stretch for his return.
He floats it over the net but Alcaraz smashes down a winner.
Draper doesn’t let him settle though and unloads another powerful forehand which rocks Alcaraz as he sprints across the baseline. He can’t return the ball and Drapers moves 15-30 ahead.
At 30-30, Alcaraz double faults to hand an opportunity to Draper.
He can’t take it. Deuce.
Jack Draper 4-6 2-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:15 , Mike JonesDraper has wrestled some momentum away from Alcaraz with that last game and that is feeding his serve now.
Three quick points go the Brit’s way before he holds serve when Alcaraz pings a backhand wide.
*Jack Draper 4-6 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz - BREAK!
15:13 , Mike JonesThe last time Alcaraz was in this position he blitzed through two rallies to win the game.
When Draper hits the net Alcaraz moves to advantage but can’t force the winner with a forehand which goes past the baseline.
This is a big game for Draper. He needs to win it to get back on serve.
He saves another advantage with a driving forehand and rescues another point in the third deuce.
At 40-40, Draper inches ahead and closes out the game after another failed attempt at a drop shot!
Jack Draper 4-6 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:08 , Mike JonesAlcaraz is trying to step up his game now. He’s got an early break in the set and is looking for that drop shot which has been dangerous so far.
After taking the first point of the next game, Draper then powers a return of serve too long and then punts a backhand into the net.
‘Come on!’ Draper says to himself as Alcaraz goes wide to leave this game level at 30-30.
Draper’s whipped forehand goes to long in the next rally and his team encourage him to keep on.
Alcaraz tries for the drop shot again but can’t get over the net and this game goes to deuce.
Jack Draper 4-6 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz* - BREAK!
15:04 , Mike JonesOh no. A seemingly simple forehand return from Draper clips the top of the tape in the first game of the second set.
That mistake is followed by another error before an unbelievable forehand down the line beats Draper at the net and sets up three break points.
Alcaraz comes forward and wins the game with a drop shot volley.
That was incredibly good.
Jack Draper 4-6 Carlos Alcaraz
14:59 , Mike JonesGame and set Alcaraz!
From deuce, he forces Draper to the left and turns a forehand to the opposite side of the court.
Draper then pushes a backhand just wide and the game goes to the Spaniard who closes out the first set.
Jack Draper 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz*
14:58 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz has won 12 of the last 15 points and from 4-2 down leads 5-4.
Draper, who needs to win this game, takes the first point after a backhand drop shot hits the net from Alcaraz.
The Spaniard responds with an electric backhand that puts Draper off balance. Alcaraz then sweeps his forehand return past the Brit and moves to 15-15.
Draper isn’t letting him dictate though. He powers a forehand to the baseline and forces Alcaraz to go long.
Wow! Alcaraz messes up an overhead volley and the ball sits up for Draper who sprints across court and smokes his winner past Alcaraz.
That’s two break points for Draper but his opponent saves the first one. Alcaraz then serves to the backhand and forces the return long.
Deuce.
Jack Draper 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz*
14:51 , Mike JonesStop it! Draper fizzes a backhand down the line and kisses the chalk to win the first point of the next game.
It’s a wonderful shot but Alcaraz refocuses, takes the next point and wins another with a dainty drop shot and volley combo.
Draper then pushes one too wide and there are a couple of break points for Alcaraz now.
The Brit serves to the backhand but hooks a return over the back of court. Alcaraz breaks and has a serve for the set.
*Jack Draper 4-4 Carlos Alcaraz
14:47 , Mike JonesThat is lovely from Carlos Alcaraz. He plays a drop shot to bring Draper up to the net then volleys back a winner.
The Spaniard then takes the next point thanks to a Draper error before a forceful backhand from the Brit sees Alcaraz drive one into the net.
30-15.
Alcaraz pulls out the fist pump after executing a superb drop shot slice but his wide serve is launched back by Draper who closes the gap again.
Alcaraz closes out the game though and draws level again.
Jack Draper 4-3 Carlos Alcaraz* - BREAK!
14:42 , Mike JonesAlcaraz responds to his broken serve with sheer aggression.
He takes the attack to Draper’s serve and wins the first two points of the next game while working the Brit left-to-right.
An inside out forehand from Draper almost gets him on the board but Alcaraz scrambles across and unloads a forehand of his own to move 0-40 in front.
Three break points for the Spaniard but he only needs one. Draper hooks a backhand too wide and this first set is back on serve.
*Jack Draper 4-2 Carlos Alcaraz - BREAK!
14:40 , Mike JonesOh incredible stuff!
Jack Draper is the first to set up a couple of break points but the margins are slim. He gets the ball to spin, just slightly, away from Alcaraz whose backhand return lands just long of the baseline.
Alcaraz saves the first break point but a double fault sends Draper into the lead in this first set!
Jack Draper 3-2 Carlos Alcaraz*
14:35 , Mike JonesDraper is targeting Alcaraz’s body whenever he needs to go through a second serve.
That’s been a successful tactic and the serve is dominating so far.
Neither man has managed to get more than two points from the other’s serve in a game yet.
*Jack Draper 2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
14:32 , Mike JonesAlcaraz seems as comfortable on his own serve as Draper is on his.
Two powerful forehands and a blistering cross-court backhand puts him up to 40-0 in quick succession.
Alcaraz then meets the return of serve with a spinning sliced. He approaches the net then dinks a backhand volley over it to win the game to love.
Jack Draper 2-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
14:28 , Mike JonesSo far so good for Draper on his own serve. Alcaraz has made a few errors gifting points up to his opponet but Draper’s pace and accuracy is helping him.
He moves 30-15 ahead and peppers the Alcaraz backhand before a miscue from his opponent floats the ball wide.
Coming up to the net, Draper powers a forehand across court and Alcaraz finds the net.
*Jack Draper 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz
14:25 , Mike JonesAlcaraz serves to Draper’s backhand then marshalls his opponent along the baseline. The Brit’s next shot goes too long but he’s moving well.
Alcaraz then flicks a shot too long in the next rally having been forced back by Draper but a delightful backhand sets up an overhead smash for the Spaniard.
The next two points go his way as well and this first set is level.
Jack Draper 1-0 Carlos Alcaraz*
14:20 , Mike JonesAlcaraz is quick to settle on the clay and forces Draper wide to the right side of court before switching with a forehand to take a point.
Draper moves ahead again when Alcaraz goes long and moves to 40-15 as his opponent fails to return a serve.
The first game is a strong hold from Draper, despite a double fault, which will settle any nerves.
*Jack Draper 0-0 Carlos Alcaraz
14:18 , Mike JonesDraper has the first serve of the match and sends the ball down the T to Alcaraz’s backhand.
The two lock into a long rally first up and Draper comes to the net. Alcaraz looks for a passing forehand but clips the top of the net and gives up the first point.
15-0.
Jack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz
14:15 , Mike JonesThe players go through a few serves to warm up ahead of the start of this match.
These two have played each other five times, Alcaraz has the edge having won three of the previous encounters but Draper triumphed last time they faced each other.
Draper heads out onto centre court
14:10 , Mike JonesJack Draper is introduced to the crowd on centre court and heads out to a smattering of applause.
He seems relaxed and determined. This is his first meeting with Carlos Alcaraz on clay so it seems like the Spaniard may have a slight advantage.
Alcaraz has a plaster across the bridge of his nose. He is focused already and has a good record on clay.
Draper vs Alcaraz
14:02 , Mike JonesJack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz have just been spotted going through a few warm ups before heading out onto the court.
Draper was skipping to get the legs going and heart pumping.
The Brit famously defeated Alcaraz at Indian Wells earlier this year and will hope for a similar result today.
Gauff defeats Andreeva in straight sets
13:53 , Mike JonesThe American makes it a fourth win out of four against Mirra Andreeva having come through the tie break 7-5.
Gauff advances into the semi-finals at the Italian Open in Rome.
A loud roar of triumph and a fist pump followed her win. Gauff will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Qinwen Zheng in the next round.
Up next will be Jack Draper’s clash with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles.
Coco Gauff on verge on victory
13:50 , Mike JonesCoco Gauff is closing in on a victory over Mirra Andreeva having taken the first set 6-4.
The two are locked in a tie break in the second set with the players level at 5-5.
Gauff is two points away from victory but if Andreeva can win she’ll force a third set decider.
Order of play - Wednesday 14 May
13:45 , Mike JonesCampo Centrale (from 12pm BST)
Coco Gauff (4) vs Mirra Andreeva (7)
not before 2pm
Jack Draper (5) vs Carlos Alcaraz (3)
not before 6pm
Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs Qinwen Zheng (8)
not before 7.30pm
Lorenzo Musetti (8) vs Alexander Zverev (2)
Emma Raducanu set for final French Open tune-up after Strasbourg wildcard
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleEmma Raducanu, meanwhile, is set to squeeze in one more tournament before she begins her bid at Roland-Garros with the 2021 US Open winner looking to build on an encouraging run at the Italian Open by taking a wildcard in Strasbourg.
Emma Raducanu set for final French Open tune-up after Strasbourg wildcard
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic end coaching partnership after six months
13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack to events in Rome in a moment, but there was major news yesterday as Andy Murray’s time as coach of Novak Djokovic came to a sudden end ahead of the French Open.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic end coaching partnership after six months
Italian Open
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe weather looks ok for now in Rome, though there could be a passing shower or two this afternoon. One rather hopes they are not as inconveniently timed as yesterday, when Lorenzo Musetti’s eventual victory over Daniil Medvedev was halted on match point.
Lorenzo Musetti beats Daniil Medvedev after rain delay suspends clash on match point
Carlos Alcaraz battles through
12:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThings weren’t at all smooth for Carlos Alcaraz yesterday, either, with Karen Khachanov giving him plenty to fret about before the Spaniard eventually came through. Alcaraz admitted afterwards that he was not feeling at his best.
"It feels amazing to get the win at the end against a really big and really tough guy like Khachanov," Alcaraz said.
"Physically I struggled a bit. Not any pain on any part of the body, but I was just tired. The match was really tough. I had to run a lot, so I'm just really proud of the way I fought for every ball."
How Jack Draper can claim huge French Open boost against Carlos Alcaraz
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleA win would be huge in the context of this tournament, obviously, but Jack Draper could also receive a big boost to his French Open hopes with victory today. Jamie Braidwood explains the ranking permutations that could see him end up as the fourth seed at Roland Garros.
How Jack Draper can claim huge French Open boost against Carlos Alcaraz
Jack Draper ‘bamboozled’ but not beaten as British No 1 sets up Carlos Alcaraz clash at Italian Open
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a little bit hairy for Jack Draper yesterday, the British No 1 thrown off his game by the enigmatic, unpredictable Corentin Moutet. But Draper eventually came through to set up this clash:
Jack Draper ‘bamboozled’ but not beaten to set up Alcaraz clash at Italian Open
The path for Jack Draper to seize statement victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Italian Open
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt could be a strangely big day in the career of Jack Draper, a player so obviously on the rise but aiming to prove that he can already beat the best on a surface with which he is not necessarily yet fully familiar. Flo Clifford explains what he needs to do to beat Carlos Alcaraz on clay.
How Jack Draper can make statement with victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Rome clash
How can I watch it?
11:45 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch all of the action from the Italian Open live on Sky Sports, with coverage throughout the tournament.
A live stream will be available via Sky Go.
When is Jack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz?
11:30 , Mike JonesJack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz will take place on Wednesday 14 May at the Italian Open.
The quarter-final is the second match scheduled on Campo Centrale, and will follow the conclusion of Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva - though will not start before 2pm BST.
Draper vs Alcaraz
11:15 , Mike JonesJack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz collide in a tasty quarter-final as they look to roll on at the Italian Open.
Draper has climbed into the world’s top five and has a solid recent record against the Spaniard, winning two of their last three meetings, including on his way to Indian Wells success earlier this year.
The pair are yet to meet on clay, though, with Alcaraz possessing such prowess on the surface though he was given a fright by Karen Khachanov in his last outing.
The British No 1, meanwhile, had to overcome the unorthodox Corentin Moutet, fighting back to take the last-16 match and set up this encounter in Rome.
Jack Draper vs Carlos Alcaraz LIVE
08:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleA blockbuster quarter-final clash is on the cards as Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz vie for a place in the last four at the Italian Open. Two of the world’s best young tennis players have forged quite the rivalry over the last year or so, with Draper’s felling of the defending champion at Indian Wells still fresh in the memory - but this is a first meeting between the pair on clay, a surface on which Alcaraz has much more experience.
Can the British No 1 claim a statement win in Rome?
