JACK FALLS TO ACE

Alcaraz KO's tired Draper

- NEIL MCLEMAN

JACK DRAPER claimed "I don’t want to be normal" after admitting he struggled with fatigue in losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Italian Open quarter-finals.

The reigning French Open champion claimed the British No.1 will still be a rival for his title in Paris after winning 6-4 6-4.

But the world No.5 lacked his usual energy in Rome after reaching the Madrid final and lost five consecutive games - including three breaks of serve - after leading 4-2 in the opening set.

And Draper, who has worked hard on his fitness, said: "I've been playing the last four weeks now pretty much.

"I don’t want to think about it or admit it, but probably it has a big effect on not just today but throughout the week.