Jack Draper has once again proven his mettle on the ATP Tour by defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a gripping semi-final match at the Madrid Open. The British number one secured his place in the final with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) victory, showcasing his resilience and skill on clay.

Draper, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament, displayed remarkable composure and tactical acumen throughout the match. Despite being broken in the opening set, he quickly regained control with a double break, ultimately sealing the set. The second set was a more competitive affair, with both players holding serve until the tie-break, where Draper's precision and determination saw him through.

This marks Draper's first appearance in the final of a clay-court event, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. He is also the first Englishman to reach the Madrid Open final, following in the footsteps of Andy Murray, who has three finals and two titles to his name at this prestigious event.

Draper's opponent in the final will be Casper Ruud, who overcame a rib injury to defeat Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-5. Ruud, a seasoned clay-court specialist with 11 titles on the surface, will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge. However, Draper remains confident and ready for the task ahead.

"Casper is a two-time Roland Garros finalist and very accustomed to the clay," Draper commented. "He is always tough to beat, so it will be a challenge for me—but I'm ready for it."

The final promises to be an enthralling encounter, with both players in excellent form. Draper's rise in the rankings, potentially breaking into the top five next week, adds an extra layer of excitement to this high-stakes match.