Draper aces his way into first grass final

Jack Draper hammered 13 aces – including one on match point – to book his first ATP grass-court final on Saturday through a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Brandon Nakashima at the Stuttgart Open.

The 22-year-old son of a former tennis administrator swamped his American opponent to set up a Sunday showdown with two-time champion Matteo Berrettini.

Draper will become British No. 1 on Monday just in time for the business end of the Wimbledon run-up. 

His improved ranking of 33rd will put him one spot away from a seeding at the All England Club when play begins on July 1.

Draper needed 71 minutes to dispatch the 70th-ranked Nakashima, breaking the American three times.

The British winner will play his third ATP final and second this season after Adelaide in January when he lost to Jiri Lehecka.

Draper is seeking his first Tour-level trophy.

“It’s an amazing feeling, it’s good to play that level of tennis out here,” the winner said.

“Becoming British No. 1 is something I’ve always wanted. Hopefully I can carry this form forward,” added the youngest to hold the top position since Andy Murray in 2009.

“I’ll give the final my best shot, If I play like I have been this week I give myself a good chance of winning.”

The final against Berrettini will be Draper’s first match against  the Italian.