Sure thing, here it goes:
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So, there was Draper, kicking off against Nakashima with a swift break. Felt like everything might just go perfectly smooth from there. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. But then again, when does it ever, right?
Anyway, Draper’s been on this rollercoaster year, climbing up to fourth in the world rankings. Crazy, I know. And somehow, when things get sketchy, that’s when he really starts to bring it. Like pulling a second-serve ace outta nowhere to fend off a break — gutsy move, huh? Oh, and let’s not forget the bold drop shot at 15-40. Seriously, this guy’s not shy about taking chances.
Lost the second set, though, after a forehand flew off into the ether. Happens to the best of us. But he regrouped, tightened up his game in the third, and then bam! He broke Nakashima’s serve in the seventh game with an epic forehand winner. It was one of those shots — like when you mess up but then pull off something miraculous at the last second.
Oh, and funny thing — Draper thought he’d nailed it the point before with a backhand. But surprise, surprise, an “out” call was buried under all the crowd noise. Classic.
Serving for the match at 5-4, drama kicks in — had to shake off a break point but then rallies to claim victory. That last game? Slammed down his 14th ace. Talk about a flourish.
“I’ve played some, let’s say, not-so-great tennis at times,” Draper admitted post-match, almost chuckling. “But I just kept the faith, you know? Belief’s where the confidence clicks in.” Wise words after he made it to his twelfth semi-final at tour level, and fourth this year. Kudos to him.
Now, he’s looking forward to just his second semi on home turf since Eastbourne last year. Not too shabby, considering it’s all groundwork for Wimbledon starting June 30. Bonus — top-four seed status! He’s kinda the big hope there, too.
“Turning up last year ranked 40th, and now sitting at fourth — wild, right?” Draper shares while scratching his head. “But it shows our hard work’s paying off. Proud moment, for sure.”
And there you have it. Draper, defying odds and lining up for Wimbledon. Let’s see how this unfolds.
