British men’s number one, Jack Draper, faced a tough exit in the scorching Paris heat, concluding the nation’s interest in the Olympic singles tennis with a second-round loss.
Draper’s Tough Battle Against Taylor Fritz
Draper, 22, endured a grueling match against American seventh seed Taylor Fritz, ultimately falling 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 2-6 on the Roland Garros clay. “It was brutal out there,” Draper commented after the match.
Despite a strong and aggressive start, which saw him clinch the first set, Draper couldn’t capitalize on six break points in the third game of the second set. The pivotal moment came as Fritz, 26, held firm, sapping Draper’s energy with a lengthy rally in the fourth game.
Draper’s struggles with fitness resurfaced, as he was broken in the sixth game, causing the match to slip away. Battling temperatures exceeding 30°C, Draper’s performance waned, losing range with his groundstrokes and power in his serves. Fritz capitalized, winning 10 of the next 13 games to secure his place in the last 16.
“It’s the hottest conditions I’ve experienced since being in America earlier this year, so I’m not used to it,” Draper admitted, also noting his frustration with the lack of access to cold water during the match. “My physicality still needs improvement, but I gave my all.”
Andy Murray and Dan Evans Set for Doubles Clash
Later on Tuesday, British fans will turn their attention to Andy Murray and Dan Evans, who face Belgium’s Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in the second round of the men’s doubles. This match could mark the final chapter of Murray’s illustrious career.
British Women Shine in Doubles
Katie Boulter and Heather Watson delivered a superb performance, defeating the German duo Angelique Kerber and Laura Siegemund 6-2, 6-3 in the women’s doubles. Watson is set to continue her Olympic journey, teaming up with Joe Salisbury in the mixed doubles later.
A Day of Surprises and Challenges
Draper’s exit and the continued progress of British doubles teams highlight the unpredictable and challenging nature of Olympic tennis. As the competition heats up, both literally and figuratively, players must navigate not only their opponents but also the demanding conditions. With Murray and Evans still in contention, British fans have much to look forward to in the coming matches.
