Jack Draper 'has advantage' as Greg Rusedski opens up ahead of Jannik Sinner US Open showdown
Jack Draper being left-handed is a major advantage ahead of his US Open clash with Jannik Sinner, Greg Rusedski believes.
REUTERS
Jack Draper being left-handed is a major advantage ahead of his US Open clash with Jannik Sinner, Greg Rusedski believes.
All eyes will be on the 22-year-old tonight as he looks to make the final of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
Draper has been outstanding in New York so far, with the Briton yet to drop a single set.
He's proven too strong for the likes of Zhang Zhizhen, Facundo Diaz, Botic van de Zandschulp, Tomas Machac and Alex de Minaur - though Sinner will represent the toughest test of his career.
Jack Draper being left-handed is a major advantage ahead of his US Open clash with Jannik Sinner, Greg Rusedski believes.
REUTERS
Rusedski believes Draper has a genuine chance of stunning the reigning Australian Open champion.
And he also thinks the fact that he's left-handed could end up being an 'advantage' and something that works in his favour.
"There is not much expectation on him because he is not the favourite," he told the BBC.
"If Jack can play with freedom he definitely has a chance.
JUST IN:WWE icon Hulk Hogan performs U-turn over Mike Tyson fight after watching Jake Paul
"Jack has to serve exceptionally well which is what he has been doing well throughout the championships.
"Being a leftie is a huge advantage because all the big points at 15-30, 30-40 or game point are usually to your favoured side - the serve out wide to open up the backhand side and then get the ball quickly into the forehand."
The stats seemed stacked against him, however.
ATP Tour statistics measured over the past 52 weeks show the Italian is currently the seventh best server - and seventh best returner as well.
READ MORE: US Open star Jack Draper makes Emma Raducanu feelings clear after Martina Navratilova criticism
Rusedski can see Draper getting joy if he goes after his opponent's second serve.
The former British tennis star also feels he must use 'variety' and 'get forward' to boost his chances of going through.
"Jack has to attack his second serve," added the 51-year-old.
"He also has to open up on the forehand side and not let him hit forehands into the backhand corner and get into the backhand side.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jack Draper faces the toughest test of his tennis career when he goes up against Jannik Sinner at the US Open on Friday night
REUTERS
"Using a bit of variety and getting forward is important, too.
"He has to bring Sinner into the net on his terms, but that is difficult to do because of how hard Jannik hits the ball.
"But when he dropped sets against [Daniil] Medvedev and [Mackenzie] McDonald they have managed to come forward, be aggressive and get that mix.
"It's about getting the balance right."
Jack Draper is yet to drop a single set at the US Open as he prepares to battle Jannik Sinner
REUTERS
Draper could become the first male player since Andy Murray to compete in a US Open final.
Murray previously won the competition in 2012, with the 37-year-old getting the better of Novak Djokovic to claim his first career major.