ATP Stuttgart Open 2024: Matteo Berrettini vs Jack Draper; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Who will ace the aces in Stuttgart on the Super Sunday (June 16)? Italy’s Matteo Berrettini takes on the British tennis star, Jack Draper in the finals of the BOSS Open. Injuries and lack of consistency have been one of the biggest opponents to Berrettini’s career so far. However, he has played some exceptional tennis this season and has already clinched a title this year while playing just a handful of tournaments so far. The 28-year-old Italian is a two-time champion in Stuttgart and he’ll be keen to clinch his third this time around.

For the 22-year-old Brit, this is Jack Draper’s third ATP final of his career and his first on grass. Jack Draper has idolised Andy Murray while growing up and guess what? He’s now on the verge of becoming the youngest British number-one since Murray in 2009. However, if asked to pick one factor that is going to decide the course of this epic faceoff, then it’s going to be the aces. Matteo Berrettini is known for his big serves but interestingly, Jack Draper hammered 31 aces in his QF against America’s Frances Tiafoe. So, hit the ace and win the race!

Matteo Berrettini vs Jack Draper: Preview

Matteo Berrettini hasn’t played much tennis this year but whenever he has played, the Italian has looked quite promising. He has already reached two finals in his previous tournaments this year and has also won the title on one occasion. Can he repeat the same in the Stuttgart Open? Well, Berrettini looked quite impressive in the all-Italian clash in the SF. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti by 6-4,6-0 in 66 minutes to make his way into the finals. Matteo Berrettini hit six aces and committed just a single double fault. He won 78% of his first serve and 64% of his second serve.

The former world number six converted four out of his seven breakpoints in that match. Taking a closer look at his numbers from this season, Berrettini has hit 36 aces and committed 10 double faults. He has won 86% of his service games and just 26% of his return games this year.

His opponent, Jack Draper has reached one SF and one QF this year before this tournament. In this tournament, he has showcased a fair bit of resilience in his previous matches and he is aiming to grab his maiden ATP title. Jack Draper defeated America’s Brandon Nakashima by 6-3,6-3 in the SF. He hit thirteen aces and committed four double faults in that match. His first-serve win percentage was recorded at 94% and his second-serve win percentage was 44%. Draper converted three out of his twelve breakpoints against Nakashima.

So far, Jack Draper has hit 174 aces this season and committed 75 double faults. He has won 81% of his service games and just 26% of his return games. But who has the edge in the H2H stats?

Berrettini vs Draper: Head-to-Head

Well, currently their H2H scoreline is at 0-0, they haven’t played against each other previously in their careers. The 6ft 5 inches right-handed Italian is the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, while the 6ft 4 inches left-handed Brit is relatively less experienced. However, looking at his performance in this tournament, he may well come up with a strong challenge against the Italian in the finals. Who is having an edge in this intriguing faceoff?

Prediction: Berrettini to win in three sets

This match can go much deeper than expected! Both the players will be looking forward to landing a trophy in their cabinet before stepping onto the courts of London for the mega event. Matteo Berrettini won the Stuttgart Open in 2019 and 2022! This might well give him an edge over the 22-year-old rising star. Berrettini showcases an aggressive brand of tennis and he’s regarded as one of the faster servers on the Tour. The Italian is often seen using his heavy topspin forehand to dictate the rallies and he also has a good backhand slice. But his forehand is much stronger.

Jack Draper, on the other hand, has nothing to lose but much to gain! He’ll be up for a fearless brand of tennis against the former number six. Draper is a natural right-hander but plays with his left hand. ‘JD’ also has a thunderous serving ability and fans have witnessed it in this tournament already. Apart from that, he has impeccable volleys to cause trouble to his opponents. But is it enough to topple the experienced Matteo Berrettini? Perhaps not!