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WATCH: British No. 1 Jack Draper Smashes Racket As Tensions Boil Over At Italian Open 2p68k

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By
Cai Parry
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Cai Parry Sports Editor

Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb Pêl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.

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Sports Editor

Published12 May 2025

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British No. 1 Jack Draper let his frustrations get the better of him as he smashed his racket on the clay court during his round of 32 win over Vit Kopriva at the Italian Open in Rome.

Jack Draper booked his spot in the Italian Open last 16 with a hard-fought win over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva in Rome on Sunday, but the clash didn’t come without drama, as the British No. 1 smashed his racket in anger.

The 23-year-old, now up to fifth in the world rankings after reaching the Madrid Open final earlier in the month, was a set and a break up but missed an opportunity to break again to make it 4-1.

In response, Draper angrily smashed his tennis racket against the clay court at the SuperTennis Arena, leading to jeers from ers inside the venue, while he was also hit with a code violation from the umpire.

Despite his frustrations, the London native claimed a 6-4 6-3 victory to advance to the fourth round, where he’s due to face off against Frenchman Corentin Moutet on Tuesday.

WATCH: Jack Draper Smashes Racket At Italian Open 1j3o61

Speaking to Sky Sports in the aftermath of his win, Draper said: “It was a tough match, definitely against a guy who is a bit unknown, but he’s won a lot of matches here. He’s feeling good.

“I knew coming in it’s another match, another chance to try and put my game out on the court. I felt a little bit low in energy. My feet weren’t working as well as I wanted them to. But I tried to fight hard and find a way.

“Obviously, the frustration boiled out a little bit too much in the end, but I stayed at it and came through.”

The youngster continued: “I’m human. We don’t always wake up out of bed feeling great. I’m the same.

“I get out of bed and I feel so angry some days, and I’ve got to play a tennis match and I’ve got to lose points and I’ve got to go through those emotional ups and downs, even with that going on.

“I think I’ve played a lot of tennis, a lot of matches, and I’m getting used to that. I’m in a new position now, my ranking is obviously going up, and I’m getting to compete week in, week out and play lots of matches.

“It’s taking some getting used to for me from a mental and physical side, and I want to keep going, but it’s sometimes difficult to always be perfect.”

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Author photo
Cai Parry
Sports Editor

Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb Pêl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.

Get to know Cai Parry better
Author photo
Cai Parry Sports Editor

Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb Pêl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.

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