Can Jack Draper Overcome Carlos Alcaraz After Stunning Comeback Against Moutet?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jack Draper showcased resilience by coming back from a set down.
- Corentin Moutet demonstrated strong initial play but couldn't maintain momentum.
- The match highlighted Draper's ability to adapt and read his opponent's game.
- This victory sets up an exciting quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz.
- The match will be their first meeting on clay, adding to the intrigue.
Jack Draper, currently ranked world number 5, staged a remarkable comeback from a set down to defeat Corentin Moutet with a score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the pre-quarter finals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2025 on Tuesday.
This impressive victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated third meeting of the year against Carlos Alcaraz, with each player having claimed a win in their previous encounters.
After a grueling match against Holger Rune, Moutet entered the court against Draper displaying his best tennis from the start, possibly aware that he might not endure a full three sets. His clever gameplay initially left Draper searching for answers, but the Brit gradually began to recover.
Moutet attempted to push the 5th seed into uncomfortable positions, but Draper increasingly read his variations and drop shots, forcing Moutet into making more mistakes. The 5th seed secured his first break after several tight games, only to be broken back immediately while serving for the set at 5-3.
However, Draper’s mindset shifted positively, and he didn’t dwell on the missed opportunity. His powerful shots pressured Moutet, leading to another break that pushed the match to a deciding set. Despite Moutet's efforts to stay competitive in the third set, his energy appeared to wane.
At 4-3, Draper broke serve again—and this time, he capitalized on the moment, sealing the match on his first match point. Having already faced Alcaraz twice this season—where the Spaniard won their Melbourne encounter when Draper had to retire, and Draper avenged that loss at Indian Wells—this match will mark their first meeting on clay.