Frances Tiafoe vs Jack Draper: 2024 Stuttgart Open - Preview & Prediction

Defending champion Frances Tiafoe will face rising star Jack Draper in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Stuttgart Open.

The American played spectacular tennis at the ATP 250 tournament in Stuttgart last year, winning the trophy, and he's back in the German city this year. His level so far has been decent, but he might need a bit more in this upcoming battle against Draper, who is a fantastic young player.

The Brit knows grass well, as he grew up on it, and he moves on it really well. He also has a great skill set that fits the grass courts, especially his serve, which can be devastating.

It's an interesting matchup on paper and promises to be close, but a lot can change when they really step up on the tennis court.

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Head-to-head:

The two quarter-final protagonists have only played once in an ATP Tour-level match so far, at the Paris Masters in 2022. Tiafoe won that match because, at that time, he was playing better tennis overall.

Draper has improved since then, while the American has slid off, especially this year, which has been relatively weak compared to his previous years. Stylistically, on grass, it should be a good matchup for the 22-year-old because he plays quite flat and is arguably a bit more consistent.

A lot will come down to what kind of day Tiafoe is having because a bad showing from the American certainly won't be enough against the rising star.

Prediction:

The serve will be crucial for Draper because if he doesn't have it, he'll have to beat Tiafoe from the baseline. The American has tricks to force his opponents to overhit, and Draper is no stranger to overhitting under pressure. Still, the British player should be able to win this match.

Prediction: Jack Draper to win in two sets.

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