Jack Draper continues sensational form with straight-sets win over second seed at Japan Open

The Brit reached the US Open semi-finals earlier this month

(AFP via Getty Images)

Jack Draper enjoyed a statement win at the Japan Open by beating second seed Hubert Hurkacz.

The British number one, playing his first tournament since his run to the semi-finals of the US Open earlier this month, beat the world number eight 6-4 6-4 in Tokyo to make it through to the quarter-finals.

It was his third win against a top 10 player this year, having earlier beaten Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur.

Next up is a winnable last-eight tie against Brandon Nakashima or Ugo Humbert and Draper will have eyes on a second ATP Tour title of the year.

The 22-year-old was strong from the off, forcing break point in the opening game, only for Hurkacz to serve himself out of trouble.

But Draper got the break midway through the first set which proved enough for him to go in front and he did the same in the second as he enjoyed a straight-sets win.

Earlier in the tournament he returned to winning ways with a straight-sets victory over Mattia Bellucci. Draper claimed a 6-4 6-2 win against the Italian to secure his spot in the last 16.

The 22-year-old had been looking to bounce back in Asia following a disappointing Davis Cup campaign with Great Britain and did so in the opening round in Tokyo, serving up nine aces on his way to defeating Bellucci inside 70 minutes.

Draper said on the ATP Tour X account: “I’m really happy with my first-round win today. I love playing here at the Japan Open, amazing tournament and amazing city.

“I look forward to hopefully competing well for the rest of the tournament.”

PA