Holger Rune and Jack Draper will face each other in the 2024 Cincinnati Open quarter-final, hoping to earn a spot in the ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.
Both tennis players endured tricky three-set matches to reach the quarter-finals, and there was a fair bit of drama as well. Draper's match against Felix Auger-Aliassime ended on a very controversial umpire call, which the Canadian believed to be incorrect.
Auger-Aliassime was left in disbelief by what had happened, but there was not much he could do about it. After a long discussion between the players and the umpire, the Canadian had to shake hands and simply recognize that he had lost.
Rune's match didn't feature that much controversy, but he had to battle past an inspired Gael Monfils to win. The Dane dropped the first set but then battled back to win in three, and his reward is playing in the quarter-final.
It's a fascinating matchup between two players who have underperformed this year. Both have tremendous potential, and this run is exactly what both of them need. That's why both will be looking to extend it, but only one can win.
The two have never played against each other, which is not a huge surprise. Draper has been around for a couple of years, but he's also missed a lot of times due to injuries.
On the other hand, Rune had an early rapid rise but slowed down this year, struggling to replicate his Top 10 form. However, it's not by chance that both of them have had a good run in Cincinnati.
Draper talked recently about being pushed by his coach to play more aggressive tennis. With his serve being as good as it is, it's certainly the right approach. The shorter returns he gets can be attacked, and that's what he has been doing so far in Cincinnati.
The courts playing faster play into that as they allow the Brit to be as aggressive as he is. They also benefit Rune because the Dane loves to attack. He's one of the purest hitters on the ATP Tour, albeit quite streaky.
The courts playing as fast benefit both, and that's why they made these deep runs. What will likely decide this matchup is just how well they can hit. The serve will be another battleground, but Draper should be able to win that battle.
| Holger Rune | Jack Draper | |
| 0 | H2H | 0 |
| 16 | Rank | 28 |
| 21 | Age | 22 |
| 32-16 | 2024 W/L | 25-15 |
| 126-78 | Career W/L | 65-45 |
Rune is the better natural hitter, and he'll need to prove that in this matchup. If he allows himself to get outhit by his opponent, he will be in big trouble. His serve can be good, but as noted above, but Draper will have an edge there.
Ultimately, it will come down to hitting, and Rune must be better if he hopes to win. He will need to put pressure on the Brit, and there's a decent chance he might do it and win this match.
Prediction: Holger Rune to win in three sets.