Britain’s Jack Draper is through to the Stuttgart Open final after defeating the USA’s Brandon Nakashima 6-3 6-3 in Saturday’s semi-final.
The 22-year-old has reached ATP 250 event semi-finals on two previous occasions, losing to Frenchman Adrian Mannarino at the Sofia Open in November 2023 and to Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka at the Adelaide International back in January.
Draper will face Italian Matteo Berrettini in Sunday’s final, live on Sky Sports, after Berrettini beat compatriot Lorenzo Musetti 6-4 6-0 in the other semi-final on Saturday.
The Brit, seeded sixth in Germany, knocked out the defending champion Frances Tiafoe of the USA in the quarters.
He was in total control against Nakashima, forcing break point in the opening game, and never took his foot off the gas with two breaks of serve in the first set.
A single break was enough to get the job done in the second set as he earned a spot in his second final of the year after also reaching a showpiece match in Adelaide.
“It’s an amazing feeling. Bradon is an incredible player, and it was just so good to play that level of tennis out here,” Draper said courtside.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to be [British No 1], so of course [it makes him proud]. It’s a real honour to be in that position and hopefully I can carry the flag forward.
“I’ll give it my best shot [in the final]. Everyone here is incredible, so if I come out and play the way I have been, I’ll give myself a good shot at winning.”
Britain’s Draper is through to Sunday’s Stuttgart Open final, live on Sky Sports – the third 250 event final in his career to date
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.
- Stuttgart Open (ATP 250) – June 10-16
- Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) – June 10-16
- Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
- Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
- Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
- Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29
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