British number one Jack Draper was eliminated from the Italian Open after a straight-sets defeat to world number three Carlos Alcaraz, who showed nerves of steel to book his place in the semi-finals for the first time in Rome.

In a tightly contested match on the clay courts of the Foro Italico, 23-year-old Draper fell 6-4, 6-4 despite a strong start and consistent pressure on Alcaraz’s serve. The Brit, ranked fifth in the ATP standings, broke early and led 4-2 in the opening set before the reigning French Open champion found his rhythm.

Alcaraz, also 23, demonstrated his trademark composure, saving break points at crucial moments and capitalizing when it mattered most. The Spaniard turned the set around with a flurry of aggressive rallies and sharp movement, eventually sealing it 6-4.

Draper continued to push in the second set, carving out three break opportunities and forcing Alcaraz into a gruelling eighth game. But Alcaraz held firm, and with the momentum swinging his way, he closed out the match to secure a place in the final four.

“I played with a really high rhythm the entire match and didn’t allow him to control the rallies,” Alcaraz said afterward. “It was a key tactic for me, and I’m proud of how I handled the pressure.”

The win also served as revenge for Alcaraz, who was beaten by Draper in the semi-finals at Indian Wells in March.

Now into his first semi-final appearance in Rome, Alcaraz will face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, setting up a high-stakes clash with home crowd energy expected to be a major factor.

For Draper, it was a tough loss, but his solid performances in Rome and earlier in Madrid continue to mark him as a rising force on the ATP Tour.

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