By Jack Draper and Dan Evans secured their places in the third round of the 2024 US Open, but Katie Boulter’s campaign ended in disappointment. Draper, who has a strong record on American hard courts, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. This win positions him for a potential third-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion.
Reflecting on his performance, Draper expressed confidence in his game while acknowledging the challenge Alcaraz might present. “I’ve had my best results at this Grand Slam, and the conditions seem to suit my style,” Draper told Sky Sports Tennis. “If I continue improving, there’s no reason I can’t go far.”
Dan Evans also impressed with a straight-sets victory over Mariano Navone, completing the match in just over two hours. After enduring a grueling first-round marathon match, Evans quickly gained control of the game against Navone, using precise shot placement and effective backhand slices to secure a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win. Evans will now face Australian 10th seed Alex de Minaur in the next round.
In contrast, Katie Boulter’s run at the US Open came to an early end after a tough loss to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Boulter, who struggled to find consistency, was defeated 7-5, 7-5. Despite leading in the first set, Boulter couldn’t maintain her momentum, allowing Bouzas Maneiro to take control of the match.
Boulter admitted that her recent transition between different surfaces, including her participation in the Paris Olympics, may have impacted her performance. “I knew it would be challenging, but I wouldn’t change anything,” Boulter said. She plans to skip the upcoming Korea Open in Seoul to focus on her recovery and preparation for future tournaments.
Sky Sports Tennis analyst Tim Henman commended Draper and Evans for their strong performances but noted Boulter’s struggle with unforced errors. “Given Katie’s talent, it was a disappointing result,” Henman commented. “She should have won if she had minimized her mistakes.”
As Draper and Evans move forward in the tournament, British fans are eager to see how they fare, particularly with Draper potentially facing the formidable Carlos Alcaraz in the next round.
