However, the match took a decisive turn when Draper lost the second set 6-3 and was trailing 1-4 in the third set when he retired due to injury. This unexpected development has raised concerns about his fitness, especially as this was his first match of the clay-court season.

Before the Barcelona Open, Draper had competed in the Miami Open on March 20, where he exited in the second round. His performance at the Miami Open had set expectations for a more robust showing in Barcelona, but the injury has now cast a shadow over his immediate future.

Draper, currently ranked 27th in the ATP rankings, had previously reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 last season. His recent struggles have been compounded by the lengthy absence from the tour, which began after last August’s US Open.

In a statement following his retirement, Draper expressed his disappointment: “Sad to retire in Barcelona. I’ve tried hard these last months to stay positive and give my all. It will take time, but I will work my way out of this. Thank you for all the support throughout this process.”

Etcheverry, who benefited from Draper’s withdrawal, praised him as a competitor, stating, “He is a great competitor. I liked how he plays. He’s a great fighter and hopefully he can recover as soon as he can to get back on tour because the tour likes him.”

Looking ahead, Draper is scheduled to play at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid from April 22. This upcoming match will be critical for his recovery and return to competitive form.

As Draper navigates this setback, the tennis community will be watching closely to see how he manages his recovery and whether he can regain his previous ranking and performance levels.

The post Jack Draper Retires Injured at Barcelona Open appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Arthur Fils reached the semi-finals at the 2026 Miami Open after a hard-fought victory against Tommy Paul, winning with a score of 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(6). The match, which lasted two hours and 47 minutes, showcased Fils’ tenacity as he saved four match points during the final tiebreak.

Fils’ victory marks a significant milestone in his career, making him the youngest Frenchman to reach the semi-final of a Masters 1000 event since Richard Gasquet in 2007. Starting the Miami Open ranked 31st in the world, Fils has now improved his position to 28th in the Live ATP Rankings, gaining 200 points from this run, bringing his total to 1,640 points.

In the match against Paul, Fils demonstrated remarkable resilience, especially in the final tiebreak where he trailed before winning six consecutive points to close out the match. “That’s the best result I’ve had in my life so far,” Fils remarked after the match, reflecting on the significance of his achievement.

Fils had previously struggled in Masters 1000 quarter-finals, holding a 0-4 record before this match. His performance against Paul not only broke that streak but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. “It was a dog fight and I never back down from a fight,” he stated, emphasizing his competitive spirit.

Even with a friendship with Paul off the court, Fils made it clear that once on the court, it was all about winning. “Even if Tommy is my friend, when we are stepping on the court, it’s either him or me. Well, I prefer when it’s me,” he said, showcasing his determination.

Fils will now face Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals, a match that will test his skills further as he aims to continue his impressive run at the tournament. Observers are keen to see if Fils can maintain his momentum and secure a place in the finals.

After a challenging period that included a stress fracture in his back, which sidelined him for six months, Fils’ recent performances indicate a strong comeback. His journey through the Miami Open has not only elevated his ranking but also solidified his status as a rising star in tennis.

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