Draper cleans up with new balls
For the Draper service game, he gets a look at the new balls.
Before a smash puts him at 15-0, the Briton enters the net early. D
raper’s serve was better; he holds to love and makes a stunning drop shot and touch at the net on the last point. That was a firm grip from the British.
Bublik* 4-4 Draper
Bublik holds
Bublik clearly thought, “I’d like one of those,” after seeing that grasp to love from Draper.
He appears to be headed for one, but a double fault at 40–0 throws him off balance, and Draper has a chance at 40–30.
However, the 62nd-ranked player in the world gathers himself to finally get the upper hand, although a tenuous one.
Bublik 4-3 Draper*
Hold streak continues
The pair trade powerful forehands from the back of the court until the Briton whips a winner down the line for 15-0, more top-tier play from both players.
Draper then freewheels to hold love.
Bublik* 3-3 Draper
Bublik maintains hold
It’s true Bublik is a mercurial player but he also can give his best effort when required.
Although he had gotten off to a great start, he admitted in the lead-up to this match that he had no idea how he was going to defeat Draper.
Another simple service game is taken by him.
Bublik 3-2 Draper*
Djokovic has worked back his break against Norrie: 2-3 Djokovic in the second set.
Draper staves off early Bublik scare
A bit more action in this game compared to the opening others.
Draper starts the game with the traditional combination of large serve plus powerful forehand.
Bublik, however, is displaying some poise as he hits a beautifully executed backhand winner down the line for 15-15.
At 15-30, he’s putting early pressure on the Briton’s serve by asserting himself, going into the net, and forcing a Draper mistake.
Bublik enters the net once again and makes two excellent volleys; he does nothing incorrectly, but Draper forces the mistake with a forceful forehand.
The British No. 1 is once more under pressure to serve at deuce. Holds serve, but Draper must earn it.
Bublik* 2-2 Draper
Bublik holds again
All routine right now.
Bublik had another excellent service game, which ends with an ace.
Draper hasn’t yet gained ground on the Kazakh’s defence.
Bublik 2-1 Draper*