After an unexpected, brilliant week that offered both himself and the rest of the world a reminder of his considerable talents, Jack Draper's much-needed US Open run came to an end in the fourth round on a humid afternoon in New York.
Andrey Rublev, the eighth seed, used all of his experience and nous to edge his challenger 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 after a gruelling 2hr 45min on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Despite the defeat, the past week presents a significant step forward for Draper as he continues to find his way back after missing nearly three months with a shoulder injury, a return complicated further by his sustaining a separate shoulder tear a week before the US Open.
Most players need time and match experience to re-establish their rhythm, so it is a reflection of the 21-year-old's talent and ability that, with minimal matches and preparation, he has been able to compete at such a high level. It is, as ever, clear that his physical issues are his only obstacle to being able to compete at this level on a regular basis.
Although Rublev may not be the towering figure of his generation, he exemplifies the consistent excellence that Draper is aspiring to achieve: the 25-year-old has now reached nine grand slam quarter-finals in his career, with three this year alone.
He will once again look for his first major semi-final as he faces either Daniil Medvedev or Alex de Minaur in the following round.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 05, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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