Mar 20 • 22:44 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Telegraph

Jack Draper crashes out to unplayable Reilly Opelka at the Miami Open

Jack Draper was eliminated from the Miami Open after a tough match against Reilly Opelka, who won both sets in tie-breaks thanks to his exceptional serve.

At the Miami Open, Jack Draper's journey came to an abrupt end as he faced off against towering American player Reilly Opelka, who utilized an impressive serving game that proved insurmountable. Opelka, standing an imposing 6ft 11in tall, dominated the match with a staggering 25 aces and a first serve success rate of 74%. Draper struggled significantly, often resorting to blocking Opelka's serves rather than returning them effectively, which led to many points going in Opelka's favor despite Draper's close positioning on the court.

Throughout the match, Draper was able to stay competitive, but it was Opelka's serves that dictated the pace and outcome of the game. In both sets, the action came down to tie-breaks where Opelka claimed an early lead and maintained his advantage with his powerful serve. The first set saw Opelka jump to a crucial 4-1 tie-break lead, capitalizing on the match's momentum, ultimately securing the set with only one set point needed. Draper's attempts to parry the serves often fell short, a clear indication of the pressure forced upon him by Opelka's performance.

While the match may not have been a classic, it showcased Opelka's talents and highlighted the challenges players like Draper face against such formidable opponents. This loss not only signifies Draper's early exit from the tournament but also underscores Opelka's potential as a formidable contender on the ATP tour, especially when serving at such a high level. Draper's experience in this match could serve him well for future encounters, but he will need to adapt to handling powerful servers to succeed at these competitive levels.

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