US Open 2025: Jack Draper battles past Federico Agustin Gomez to reach second round
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Jack Draper is through to the second round of the men’s singles at the US Open after knocking out Argentina’s Federico Agustin Gomez in four sets.
In his first match since Wimbledon, 2024 semi-finalist Draper defeated the qualifier 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-2 in just over three hours.
Gomez made it a tough match for the world No.5 with his powerful serve and forehand, but Draper’s mental strength in difficult moments helped him secure a second round clash with Zizou Bergs of Belgium.
“Unbelievable to be out here in New York playing on Louis Armstrong Stadium,” Draper said in his on-court interview.
“I wasn’t too sure if I was going to make it here this year, but we did a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get myself back on court.
“It wasn’t my finest performance but credit to my opponent, he played some outstanding tennis. I look forward to hopefully improving and getting better as the tournament goes on.”
The British No.1 is the fifth seed at this year’s tournament coming off the back of a season in which he’s won his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells, made the Madrid Open final and has now won 30 matches.
Last year, the Briton made his first Grand Slam semi-final before bowing out to eventual champion and world No.1 Jannik Sinner.
I look forward to hopefully improving and getting better as the tournament goes on.
“I’m not putting too much expectation on myself,” he said. “I’ve put in the work and I know if I can get that level back, I’m going to be really tough to beat.
“There are some amazing players in this draw. I’m just so happy to be here and to be able to compete in front of you guys (the crowd) in New York.”
After a promising start from the Argentinian, Draper broke Gomez to love in the sixth game of the opening set to stamp an early authority on the match.
Draper's first serve – particularly wide on the ad-side – proved a huge weapon early on, winning 18/22 points to see out a dominant first set.
The Briton then pounced on an easy short ball to break for a 2-1 lead early in the second set, but the warning signs soon came thick and fast for Draper.
Gomez saw two break points come and go at 4-3, before the world No.203 got his reward just two games later – levelling at 5-5 after an uncharacteristically edgy service game from the Briton.
Draper responded well to break straight back and at the second time of asking, managed to serve out a two-set lead after an hour and a half.
Gomez carried his momentum into the third set. Despite surrendering a 4-1 lead, the qualifier went on to save a match point in the tie-break to set up a set point of his own. The Argentine took his chance well, blasting a 20th winner of the set past the Briton to force the match into a fourth set.
While it wasn’t a vintage performance from Draper, the British star will be pleased with how he dealt with the challenge mentally. He brushed off the disappointment of the previous set to take the sting out of Gomez’s game.
From 2-2, Draper won the final four games in a row to book his spot in the second round.
Draper joins Norrie as the second British man into the second round already. Fellow British No.1 Emma Raducanu has also booked her place in round two as well.
