Gabriel Diallo couldn’t play spoiler at the Lexus Eastbourne Open on Thursday as the Canadian fell in his first quarter-final of the year, losing 6-1, 6-4, to former British No. 1 Jack Draper.
This was Draper’s first match against a Canadian (outside of Davis Cup) since the controversial 2024 Cincinnati Open third-round contest with Félix Auger-Aliassime.
Draper got a lot right in his win over Diallo. The British southpaw finished with 25 winners and kept his unforced errors tally to single digits. The 24-year-old also played his drop shot well, many which led to his nine break points. When Diallo was brought to the net, he only won four of his 13 net points as Draper was able to pick his spot with his passing shots.
Diallo’s big delivery was on show right from the start, firing three aces for the comfortable opening service hold; however, that was the best spell he would have in the first set. Draper got third times lucky after the Canadian’s serve got him out of a couple of break points in the fourth game, but the Brit broke on his next attempt for the 3-1 advantage.
Read also: Destination NBO by STM - Tiafoe, Cerundolo Win First ATP 500s
Diallo tried to be slightly more aggressive in his next service game. At 1-4, 40-all, the Montrealer came to the net but was beaten by a Draper passing shot, and the following rally finished with the same outcome as Diallo was a double break down.
Draper looked as if he was going to cruise to the finish line after serving out the first set. The former world No. 4 broke for a third-straight time to begin the second and held another break opportunity at 0-2, 40-AD. However, that marked the turnaround for Diallo. The Canuck held for the first time since the opening game and won eight points on the fly from 2-1, 30-love, to take a 3-2 lead of the set.
Unfortunately for Diallo, that swing of momentum was short lived as the crowd-favourite Draper went on a strong run of his own, winning 11-straight points from 3-4 to hold triple match point at 5-4, 40-love. The Brit’s streak ended with a double fault, but he sealed the contest on the next try as Diallo’s return landed wide.
Read also: Wheelchair Update - Venos, McIntyre Victorious in Richmond
The quarter-final finish was still a bright spot for the Canadian ahead of Wimbledon. The 24-year-old had only won consecutive matches once this year and dealt with an injury for much of the clay season.
The Davis Cup is coming to Quebec City September 18 and 19 as Team Canada hosts France in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Second Round. Tickets are on sale now. CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
