Content: Draper Surges Into Qatar Open Quarter-Finals

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Image caption: Jack Draper is aiming to win his second ATP 500 title.

Published on February 19, 2025. British number one Jack Draper made a strong start in the Qatar Open by defeating Christopher O’Connell in straight sets with a dominant performance, taking only 59 minutes to complete the match. The result was an impressive 6-2, 6-1.

Draper is making his first appearance at this tournament since retiring due to injury after losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open against Carlos Alcaraz. His match did not present any challenges as he broke O’Connell’s serve twice and wrapped up the opener without facing a single break point. In the second set, O’Connell managed only one game.

The British player will now face Matteo Berrettini in the quarter-finals. Berrettini showcased his form by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (6-8), and 6-4 earlier on Tuesday, following up his straight-set victory over Novak Djokovic.

Draper is still on track to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Later Wednesday, Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Luca Nardi with a score of 6-1, 4-6, and 6-3. The four-time major winner is currently enjoying an impressive streak at ATP 500 events, having won twelve matches consecutively in this category.

Alcaraz will then face Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic to advance further into the tournament. Elsewhere in Doha, Alex de Minaur celebrated his 200th tour-level hard-court victory with a straight-set win against Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4). This result will set him up for a quarter-final clash against Andrey Rublev, who had already defeated Nuno Borges in similar fashion (6-3, 6-4).

World number six Daniil Medvedev also secured his spot in the next round with an easy victory over Zizou Bergs (6-2, 6-1). He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals. The Canadian was granted a walkover after Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic withdrew due to injury.