*Jack Draper 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 4-2 Elias Ymer
Draper comes back long, then makes a great exchange. Ymer misjudges it, a very strange rebound that he inspects with suspicion (after the point), he goes to the net, Draper passes it… wide! 30-0. Ymer looks aggressive and strong.
Another double fault from Ymer! Too many double faults today, a little erratic at times. 30-15. Ymer makes a long pass, Draper casually passes the ball to a ball boy. 30-go and he’s back in the game.
But Ymer overdoes it! Maybe too much adrenaline? Break point… gone! Draper goes too far, Ymer does a spin that puts him out of the game I think, and Ymer shouts “Yes. YES!” with joy.
What a magnificent shot, an otherworldly forehand down the line, chalk dust flying. Draper brings us back to even, though… Ymer scores and his shoulders sag a little. Is this the end of the game? No! Draper comes back deep, Ymer is still in the game.
A missed shot from Ymer after Draper’s return! The 22-year-old covers his ear to make even more noise in the crowd, which he gets. Advantage and another break point. It would surely be the end, but an ace! Another draw! What a battle this game, this set and this match has been.
Draper sends an ace into the corner, Ymer can’t get it, another advantage and the Sutton-born player puffs out his cheeks. Draper scores, another two points! An ace, advantage to Ymer. Ymer scores, two points and this long, long game continues.
Draper on the front foot, comes to the net, great passing shot from Ymer and Draper raises his arms as if to say “What can you do?” I don’t know, Jack, that was class from the Swede. He sends Draper in the wrong direction and holds on! Finally!
