Jack Draper, who started the event in the qualifications, eased through “wild card” Cem Ilkel, 6:2, 6:2 in 1:15 hours at the Central Court of “Arena Sofia” and reached the semi-final at Sofia Open 2023.
Congratulations of what you did so far! Do you have strength enough to go to till the end?
Yeah, I feel incredibly happy with my tennis here. I won a lot of matches recently, so I feel very comfortable on the court. I am back on the Tour and I am playing semi-final here in Sofia. I am very happy with the ways things go and hopefully I can go all the days after.
What do you know about your next opponent Jan-Lennard Struff, you’ve never played him?
I don’t know him. He has been at the Tour a very very long time. He is a very experienced player, someone who plays with a lot power. He has one of his best years on the Tour. He is in great form. I think it will be very tough match, but I am excited to play him and I am looking forward to the challenge.
Will you change something in your game for the semi-final?
Now, I speak with my coach every day. We are trying to think about how tactically I can play. It is really important although I have some weaknesses and strengths to see how I can put my game on the court and do my best. To play attacking tennis. That is what I am trying to do every time is approaching the match with a good mentality and trying to impose my tennis on the court and be tough to beat by the other players.
What do you think about Sofia Open?
It is incredible that this tournament was organized so quickly. ATP announced that very fast after the cancellation of Tel Aviv. It is been incredible to be here. Organization has been very good. It is one of the best ATP 250 that I have been to. I came here last year, I was sick, I wasn’t able to play. But I am excited to be back. It seems a lot of people here love tennis. They are always very friendly and kind. So, I am very excited to be here. And I am grateful that you guys held the tournament in such a short notice.
How close are you to your best tennis?
Yeah, I think I can say that I am playing some of the best tennis that I have played. It has been a tough year with a lot of injuries and setbacks. But it definitely made me stronger and definitely gained a lot of perspective on my tennis. Last year maybe I didn’t appreciate the position I was in. I had to drop down the ranking and seeing from that point of view was good for me, I think. It helped me to improve as a player and a person. I am really happy with the way I bounced back. And I am playing really good tennis and I am proud of it.
