When Jack Draper landed in Madrid just two weeks ago, the 23-year-old British tennis star was still searching for confidence on clay. It was a surface he respected—one he believed he could eventually conquer—but to date, it had only yielded disappointment. Fast-forward to May 3, 2025, and Draper now stands on the brink of a historic triumph, booking his place in the final of the Madrid Open after a straight-sets victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, 6-3, 7-6 (4), under the lights on Friday night.
The semifinal win marked yet another milestone in Draper’s meteoric rise, capping off a flawless fortnight in the Spanish capital. Still yet to drop a set, he will now face Norway’s Casper Ruud—who defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5—for the title on Sunday. More than just a deep run, this campaign has confirmed Draper’s place among the elite: his quarter-final win earlier in the week assured him a spot in the ATP top five, and his victory over Musetti only solidifies his growing reputation as one of the game’s most complete players.
Draper’s match against Musetti was not only his toughest test of the tournament, it was a defining moment in his evolving clay-court game. Musetti, the 10th seed, has established himself as one of the tour’s most versatile and creative players. A Wimbledon semi-finalist and Olympic bronze medallist, he arrived in Madrid fresh off a final appearance in Monte Carlo. Known for his athleticism, deft touch, and one-handed backhand, the Italian was expected to expose any lingering uncertainty in Draper’s clay credentials.
READ MORE: Casper Ruud Battles Past Cerundolo to Reach Madrid Masters Final
But Draper had answers to nearly every question. He exploded out of the gate with heavy hitting and precision, particularly on his forehand—a shot that has seen remarkable improvement in recent months and is fast becoming a signature weapon. Despite a physical and strategic challenge from Musetti in the second set, Draper remained mentally composed, varying his game with clever serve-and-volley plays and exceptional shot tolerance from the baseline.
As the match intensified, so too did Draper’s resilience. In the decisive tiebreak, it was the Brit who held his nerve, outlasting Musetti with a blend of controlled aggression and tactical maturity that belied his age. With each passing match, Draper has looked less like a clay-court novice and more like a seasoned champion.
In a post-match interview, Draper reflected on the presence of his mother, Nicky, in the stands—a rare occurrence given her superstitious track record. “The last few times she’s come to watch me play, French Open first round I had a shocker, and then Monte Carlo this year was really poor in my second round,” Draper said with a smile. “So I was thinking when she said she was going to come yesterday I was like: ‘Ooh, I’m not sure if you should come.’ But I’m glad she did, because tonight was a really good performance.”
Musetti, gracious in defeat, also offered high praise for his opponent. “The impressive thing of him, he’s really a complete player,” the Italian commented. “For his height, it’s really high. And of course a lefty who can serve really well, especially for a one-handed backhand, it’s not easy.”
Indeed, Draper’s ability to combine serve power with nimble court coverage and baseline consistency has made him a threat on all surfaces. His left-handed serve consistently put Musetti on the back foot, and his improved movement on clay allowed him to extend rallies and counterpunch with authority.
This final marks Draper’s second Masters 1000 final of the season after his title win at Indian Wells in March, making him only the third man born in the 2000s to reach finals on both hard court and clay at this level. It also highlights his rapid ascent from promising junior to bona fide top-tier contender.
Facing him on Sunday will be 14th seed Casper Ruud, a seasoned clay-courter who has reached multiple French Open finals and is known for his discipline and depth. Ruud’s win over Cerundolo was a reminder of his own form and consistency, but Draper enters the final with the psychological advantage of an unbeaten run and a growing aura of confidence.
Beyond the immediate result, Draper’s performance in Madrid is symbolic of a broader shift. British tennis has long struggled to produce consistent clay-court performers, and Draper’s rise could mark a generational change in expectations. Gone are the days when British players were presumed to be grass-court specialists alone. Draper’s game, with its adaptability and grit, is built for all surfaces—and he’s proving that with every win.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, the matchup promises high-quality rallies, tactical nuance, and plenty of drama. For Draper, it’s another opportunity to defy expectations and stamp his authority on one of the sport’s most demanding surfaces. Whether or not he lifts the trophy, this run has already redefined his standing in the men’s game.
As Draper walked off the court on Friday night, applauded by a growing legion of fans and acknowledged by peers with growing respect, it was clear that his clay breakthrough was not a fluke—it was the start of something much bigger. With poise, power, and a hunger that seems far from satisfied, Jack Draper is no longer a rising star. In Madrid, he’s arrived.
