Jack Draper Advances to Japan Open Last 16 with Victory Over Mattia Bellucci

Britain's Jack Draper secured a place in the last 16 of the Japan Open after a commanding straight-set win over Italy's Mattia Bellucci. Draper, ranked world number 20, triumphed 6-4, 6-2 in Tokyo, marking his first victory since reaching the semi-finals of the US Open earlier this month.

The 22-year-old's performance signaled a return to form after a difficult Davis Cup campaign in Manchester, where he suffered consecutive defeats against Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo and Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime. Great Britain ultimately fell short of advancing to the knockout stage.

In his match against Bellucci, Draper took control after a closely contested first set. After edging out the world number 103, Draper dominated the second set, racing to a 5-1 lead before clinching victory.

Next up for Draper is a challenging match against Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz, scheduled for Friday.

Upsets and Victories Elsewhere

The Japan Open saw a significant upset as Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out by American Alex Michelsen, who came from behind to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. American fifth seed Tommy Paul had a smoother path, defeating Italy's Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-2.

In a marathon match lasting over three hours, Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka outlasted Felix Auger-Aliassime in a thrilling 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) encounter.

British Struggles in China Open

Meanwhile, in the China Open, British number three Harriet Dart was eliminated in the first round. Dart lost to Denmark's rising star Clara Tauson, falling 7-5, 4-6, 1-6 despite taking the first set.

As the Japan Open progresses, Draper carries the British hopes as he looks to continue his impressive form against tougher competition in the later rounds.