The Paris Masters is heating up, and for British No. 1 Jack Draper, the stakes are higher than ever. A victory against Alex de Minaur in the round of 16 on Thursday could significantly boost his chances of qualifying for the coveted ATP Finals in Turin.
Draper, at just 22 years old, has enjoyed a remarkable few months. He reached the US Open semifinals, secured his second ATP Tour title, and achieved a career-high ranking of 15. Now, he’s aiming for a spot in Turin, a tournament reserved for the year’s top eight players.
A win in Paris would bring him within 135 points of Andrey Rublev, who currently holds the eighth spot in the ATP Live Race To Turin. With additional points on offer at the Metz and Belgrade ATP 250 events next week, Draper’s chances are far from over. Even finishing ninth or tenth would secure him an alternate position, keeping him in the running for a potential last-minute entry.
However, the road to Turin is paved with challenges. Draper is on a seven-match winning streak, a testament to his recent form, but his opponent, de Minaur, poses a formidable threat. The Australian currently sits in ninth place in the ATP Live Race To Turin, just 75 points behind Rublev, making this a pivotal match for both players.
As the Paris Masters unfolds, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if Draper can maintain his momentum and clinch a spot among the elite at the ATP Finals. With his impressive recent form and the pressure of a nation behind him, Draper is undoubtedly a player to watch.
