“Was thinking about it four days non-stop”: Jack Draper opens up on controversial call on match-point against Felix Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati
Jack Draper recently opened up on the controversial call during his third-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime at the 2024 Cincinnati Open. Draper defeated Auger-Aliassime 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 only to lose to Holger Rune in the quarterfinals.
In a closely-fought three-setter that saw only three break points over two hours and 38 minutes, Draper and Auger-Aliassime found themselves at odds on the match point that eventually went the former's way.
Serving for the match at 40-30, Draper rushed to the net on the Canadian's return that reached him on the volley at an awkward height. In trying to send it back, he mistakenly hit the ball into the ground before it kissed the net and dropped inside Auger-Aliassime's court.
The Brit then looked at the chair-umpire that ruled the shot fair. Auger-Aliassime revolted to no avail as Draper was declared the winner.
Consequently, Jack Draper faced harsh criticism as tennis fans questioned his integrity. In a recent conversation with The Guardian ahead of the 2024 US Open, he reflected on the condemnation and defended himself, saying:
"I was thinking about it four days non-stop. I was really upset by it – like I said, it’s something I really think is more important than anything, it’s respect, it’s honesty, it’s fair play and all this sort of stuff."
The world No. 25 then claimed the events unfolded too quickly for him to make the right judgment.
"I’ve done it on the tour before where I’ve maybe given a second serve because there’s been a loud noise or something. And I always play by those things. But honestly, in that moment, I couldn’t do anything because I didn’t know – that was the honest truth of it," Draper added.
Jack Draper: "Anyone would be lying if they’re saying they’re not hurt by seeing a lot of comments saying 'you’re a cheat'"
During the same interview with The Guardian, Jack Draper suggested the criticism hurt him deeply.
"I think anyone would be lying if they’re saying they’re not hurt by seeing a lot of comments saying you’re a cheat, you’re a liar. And that I would have done this, and I would have done that," he said.
He then looked on the brighter side of things, saying:
"It’s hard in that situation to know what to do and also it’s good because it’s my first experience of having negativity and having criticism, and that’s all part of being a top athlete."
Jack Draper has entered the 2024 US Open main draw as the 25th seed. He is will take on China's Zhang Zhizhen in the first round on Tuesday, August 27. The two will lock horns for the very first time and the winner of the match will play either Facundo Diaz Acosta or Hugo Gaston in the second round of the New York Major.