Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Paris Masters match.
Jack Draper is enjoying his success after seven consecutive wins in European indoor courts, while Alex de Minaur aims for revenge after a recent defeat to the Brit on the outdoor hard courts of New York, which ended the Australian's three-match winning streak.
Alex de Minaur
De Minaur, Australia's top player, is ranked in the top 10 globally and is known for his speed, sharp reactions, and defensive skills. This season, he has secured 10 wins in 13 matches on indoor hard courts, underscoring his competitiveness on faster surfaces. However, his primary issue lies in his inconsistent serve. In recent matches, his first serve percentage barely surpassed 60%, posing a challenge against players like Draper, who excel in attacking play. In a recent clash with Miomir Kecmanovic, de Minaur committed more than 40 unforced errors while winning just 19 points, which could prove costly in this upcoming match. Notably, he also struggles against top-20 opponents, losing four of the last seven encounters.
Jack Draper
Draper, the young Brit and rising star, has been delivering impressive performances with a seven-match winning streak in Europe's indoor arenas. His high first serve win rate and aggressive on-court style allow him to dictate the flow of play. He recently defeated Taylor Fritz, the world's sixth-ranked player, across three sets (7:6, 4:6, 6:4), demonstrating his ability to withstand pressure and attack during critical moments. Although Draper has lost three times in their head-to-head matches, he consistently took at least one set, and the latest clash ended convincingly in his favour (3:0).
Alex de Minaur vs Jack Draper Prediction
Considering the current form and statistics, Draper's victory seems a logical bet. The Brit's outstanding form and aggressive play could pose significant problems for de Minaur, who, despite his experience and defensive prowess, struggles with serving and stability in indoor settings.
