Jack Draper's brave comeback cut short by illness as De Minaur advances to Mexican Open final
- Michael Schmitt
- 2 March 2024
Jack Draper was forced to retire in the third set of his semi-final against Australian Alex de Minaur at the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
Draper left the court 4-0 down in the final set because of an undisclosed illness after he staged a strong comeback from a set down to the defending champion.
The Australian started strongly, taking the first 6-3 and capitalising on four of six break points – the first set Draper had dropped in the tournament.
But the British number three staged a valiant comeback, winning the second set 6-2 with some strong returns.
His illness became an issue towards the end of the second set with the 22-year-old receiving treatment from the physiotherapist and tournament doctor.
Things only got worse in the third set as the Australian won four consecutive games before Draper retired from the match.
De Minaur said after the match that he wishes Draper a "speedy recovery".
"He's a hell of a player, a hell of a talent and I hope it's nothing too serious," he said.
He will play Norwegian Casper Ruud in the final after he defeated Denmark's Holger Rune in three sets 3-6 6-3 6-4.
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