Jack Draper: British rising star Jack Draper is set to face off against Lorenzo Musetti in the ATP Vienna Open semifinals after a hard-fought win over Tomas Machac. Draper, currently ranked 18th in the world, overcame the Czech player in a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory, advancing to his eighth tour semifinal this season. With a 2-0 record over Musetti in past meetings, Draper looks to extend his lead and secure a place in the Vienna final.

Musetti, ranked 17th, reached the semifinals with an impressive comeback victory against top seed Alexander Zverev. The Italian, who recently claimed Olympic bronze, came from behind to defeat Zverev 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a thrilling two-hour, 36-minute match. Musetti credited his mental toughness and adaptability, saying, “It’s a pretty big win because Sascha really loves to play here.” Known for his versatile backhand and power, Musetti’s win over Zverev underscores his growing confidence and skill on the indoor courts of Vienna.

Draper and Musetti last faced each other on similar indoor hard courts, a setting that complements Draper’s powerful baseline game. “I thought the first set against Tomas was really physical. It’s always tough playing him, he’s so solid,” Draper commented. His form on indoor surfaces, combined with his past victories over Musetti, makes him a strong contender in Saturday’s semifinal. Both players are eager to claim their first Vienna title, and the winner will take a step closer to solidifying their place among the world’s top players.

Semifinal Prediction The Draper-Musetti rivalry has been one-sided so far, with Draper leading 2-0, both wins coming on hard courts. However, Musetti’s recent win over Zverev has given him a significant confidence boost. Expect a tightly contested match, likely stretching to three sets, with Draper’s aggressive style giving him a slight edge.

Prediction: Draper to win in 3 sets.

Tennis fans can catch the Draper-Musetti showdown live as the Vienna Open heads into an electrifying weekend. This match promises to be a key moment for two of tennis’s brightest talents