In the other match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Czech player Karolina Muchova overcame a “bug” to defeat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The grueling nature of playing five rounds on New York’s hard courts was evident, as all four players faced challenges related to injury or illness, causing delays in both matches.
Despite the setbacks, Draper maintained his impressive form, remaining the only player in the tournament who has not dropped a set.
“I think I played a solid match. I feel the best fitness-wise I’ve been in a long, long time and I think that’s where Alex has sort of got me in the past,” Draper was quoted by Reuters from his on-court interview. “I also think he was struggling a little bit today with something, which may have helped me.”
From the outset, De Minaur struggled to find his rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors while Draper’s serve proved effective, resulting in an early break that set the course of the match.
The second set saw a brief interruption as both players faced injury concerns. De Minaur, who had previously withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a hip injury, appeared to be moving uncomfortably, while Draper required a timeout to have his right thigh strapped.
Upon resumption, De Minaur managed to break back and level the set at 4-4. However, Draper responded with a break in the 11th game and consolidated his advantage to establish a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
In the third set, Draper’s impressive power and accuracy took their toll on De Minaur, ultimately leading to his fourth defeat in a Grand Slam quarter-final throughout his career.
“The way he can spread the court, being a lefty and really move you around the court, it takes a toll on the body. Accumulation of matches takes a toll, as well,” De Minaur said.
Muchova, participating in just her sixth tournament since sustaining a wrist injury at the 2023 U.S. Open, advanced to the semifinals of the event for the second year in a row by defeating Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4 in the early match of the day.
In the first set, Muchova displayed excellent form, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead with a double break. She held her serve to love and despite Haddad Maia managing to get on the scoreboard, Muchova closed out the set on her own serve.
Haddad Maia’s performance improved in the second set, with both players trading breaks. Muchova, after receiving attention from the physio and doctor at her chair, held serve to reach 5-3. Taking advantage of new balls, she sealed the victory on serve with an ace.
“I think I played good in the key points, meaning when I had a breakpoint or I was serving for a game, I always pulled out a good shot, I think,” Muchova said. “I’m happy that I managed it in two sets again.”
“I’m fighting (a) bug a little bit. I’m a little sick. I hope it didn’t disturb anyone,” she said.
Haddad Maia, who became the first woman from Brazil to reach the quarterfinals at the US Open since Maria Bueno accomplished the feat in 1968, needed medical attention near the end of her match due to apparent breathing difficulties.
“In the night session, top seeded Iga Swiatek will look to reach her seventh Grand Slam semi-final as she takes on sixth seeded American Jessica Pegula, who has not advanced beyond a Grand Slam quarter-final in six tries.”
