Jack Draper has continued his impressive form at this year’s Madrid Open, sweeping aside Matteo Arnaldi in just 77 minutes to reach the semi-finals.
That victory followed a comfortable win against Tommy Paul, the British number 1 disposing of the American 6-2 6-2.
Draper has struggled on clay in recent years, but is now through to his first Masters 1000 semi-final on the surface.
The 23-year-old is looking to clinch a second Masters 1000 title at the Madrid Open, having completed the feat for the first time at Indian Wells in March.
However, despite enjoying a promising first four months of the 2025 ATP season, Draper says he still doubts himself on tour.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesJack Draper says making sacrifices on tour has him doubting himself every day
Speaking after his Round of 16 victory over Tommy Paul, Draper explained that the sacrifices he makes on tour make him wonder how much longer he can keep going.
The Briton said: “There’s no denying that in any professional sport, especially tennis, it’s so relentless. We’re playing, we’re competing, we’re away from our families – we’re just sacrificing our lives.”
“If you do this sport properly and give it everything every day, it’s tough, and I doubt myself every day. Can I keep going? If you want to be great, then these are the things you have to do.”
“I don’t know how long I’ll play for. I don’t know if I’ll play till mid-30s. I’m just gonna try and make the best out of my career and hopefully try and fill my potential. I know that in order to do that, I need to give everything.”
Jack Draper’s 2025 clay court season so far
After a disappointing Miami Open campaign where Draper lost to Jakub Mensik in the first round, the world number 6 looked to hit the ground running coming into the clay season.
Draper entered the Monte Carlo masters as the fifth seed, where he disposed of Marcos Giron in a first-round straight sets victory.
However, the Brits’ tournament came to an end against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina where in a closely contested battle, the Spaniard came out on top in three sets.
Following the second round exit in Monte Carlo, Draper’s game on the dirt has looked much more convincing in Madrid.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
He defeated Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets and was a set to the good against former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini before the Italian retired due to injury.
Following those wins, Draper has shared Rafael Nadal’s influence on his improved clay-court game, comparing the king of clay’s powerful left-handed forehand to his own.
And after dominant performances against Paul and Arnaldi, he might just emulate Nadal in picking up the Madrid Open trophy on Sunday.