Jack Draper Outlasts Taylor Fritz in Rolex Paris Masters

Jack Draper defeated Taylor Fritz in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters.

Jack Draper defeated Taylor Fritz in three sets during their second round match at the Rolex Paris Masters. / Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Entering the Rolex Paris Masters, it had been quite the week for Taylor Fritz. The World No. 6 celebrated his 27th birthday, dyed his hair bleach blonde, and secured a spot in next month's ATP Finals.

However, Fritz had a formidable opponent in his first match of the final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the year. World No. 15 Jack Draper had won six consecutive matches and was not going to let Fritz have anything easy during their Round of 32 matchup.

A rocket on the run from Jack Draper 🚀😱

He takes the opening set over Fritz 7-6(6)!

Stream now on Tennis Channel 📲#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/PNFmaEbwGR

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 30, 2024

In a back-and-forth match that went nearly 2.5 hours, Draper defeated Fritz in three sets: 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. Fritz looked sharp for most of the match before visibly tightening up in the last two games of the third set.

Draper's serve was stronger today, and overcame some missed opportunities. Draper tallied 36 winners and 47 unforced errors. Meanwhile, Fritz hit 27 winners and 36 unforced errors.

Jack Draper hits back to back double faults to go down 0-30 and then gets broken to 0 by Taylor Fritz in the second set.

Very poor game by Draper after missing 6 break points in the previous game. pic.twitter.com/qMpYYcAU9r

— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) October 30, 2024

Today marked the third time this year that Fritz and Draper faced each other this year (fourth total). The series in now split 2-2. It is safe to assume these two rivals will face off a lot more over the coming years.

Fritz will have about ten days off before he travels to Turin, Italy, for the ATP Finals. On the flip side, Draper will face World No. 10 Alex de Minaur in the Round of 16 on Thursday.

Lucky No. 7️⃣@jackdraper0 battles past Fritz 7-6 4-6 6-4 to claim his seventh win on the trot! #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/YET4iYTbYS

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 30, 2024

In a tournament that has already seen plenty of surprises, the 22-year-old could have a decent shot at winning his third title of the season.

Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More ATP Tennis News

• Karen Khachanov defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Rolex Paris Masters.

• Rafael Nadal's tennis academy is underwater after rains caused flooding.

• Lacoste unveils Tennis kits for the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters.