Alcaraz defeats Draper to return to No. 2 ranking

Carlos Alcaraz dropped a 6-4, 6-4 defeat on Jack Draper on Wednesday at the Rome Masters to ensure a return to second in the world.

The Spaniard who battled an adductor injury which caused him to miss the Madrid clay date, dismissed the British No. 1 to set up a semi-final at the Foro Italico.

Sinner, whose game and concentration have been patchy this spring, came from a break down in both sets as he overhauled the world No. 5. in just over an hour and a quarter.

“The most important thing that I did today was not thinking about the shots at all,” the winner said. “Not thinking about the fact that I was down, just trying to do the things that make me happy.

“On court I just tried to be aggressive, play good shots, drop shots, go to the net.”

He added: “That’s what I like to do on the court, and that made the difference today.

“I played such a high rhythm during the whole match, I didn’t let him dominate or stay long in the rallies.”

Alcaraz called his performance “a really good win, I’m just really proud about the way I approached the match.”

The Monte Carlo champion last month is keen for another Masters honour before the May 22 start at Roland Garros where he is defending the title. 

His latest Rome win sends him past Alexander Zverev into second in the world behind Jannik Sinner.