An Epic Tennis Match: Djokovic vs. Draper

A very exciting tennis match recently took place between Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper. Before the match, Daniil Medvedev predicted that it would be a tough and physical battle. He said it probably would not be a one-sided match.

His prediction turned out to be correct.

The match lasted about two and a half hours and was very close. Even near the end of the third-set tiebreak, when the score was 5–5, nobody knew who would win. Many fans thought it was one of the best matches of the year.

Draper had recently returned after a long injury break. Before the match, he said he was simply happy to be playing again. At first, he seemed a little nervous while playing against Djokovic, whom he called the best tennis player in the world.

However, by the second set, Draper began playing with more confidence. He ran for every ball and hit powerful forehands and smart backhand shots. At times, Djokovic looked very tired from the long rallies.

In the final-set tiebreak, Draper played bravely and took more risks. His strong backhand shots helped him win the most important points.

Djokovic said the match was extremely close. He had chances to win, but a few mistakes made the difference.

“That’s tennis,” he said after the match.

The Next Challenge: Draper vs. Medvedev

Unfortunately for Draper, he had to play another match less than 24 hours later. His next opponent was Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev had an easier day. Earlier, he defeated Alex Michelsen in straight sets, 6–2, 6–4. Medvedev has been playing very well recently and had already won eight matches in a row.

The two players had only met once before, when Medvedev beat Draper in Rome two years ago. Medvedev’s strong backhand and smart positioning could make the match difficult for Draper.

Many fans hoped Draper would recover enough energy to play another exciting match. However, after such a long and exhausting battle against Djokovic, Medvedev was predicted to win.

Vocabulary Worksheet

A. Match the Word to the Meaning

1. Rally

2. Opponent

3. Confidence

4. Recover

5. Prediction

a. To gain strength again b. The person you compete against

c. A guess about the future d. A long exchange of shots e. Belief in your abilities

Comprehension Questions

1. Who predicted the Djokovic vs. Draper match would be very physical?

2. How long did the match last?

3. Why was Draper a little nervous at the beginning?

4. What helped Draper win important points in the tiebreak?

5. Who was Draper’s next opponent?

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think tennis matches can be very physical?

2. Do you think mental strength is important in sports? Why?

3. Why is it difficult to play another match soon after a long one?

4. What do athletes do to recover after exhausting games?

5. Which tennis player do you admire most and why?

Writing Prompts

1. Match Summary

Write a short summary of the Djokovic vs. Draper match in your own words.

2. Opinion

Do you think tennis is one of the most physically demanding sports? Explain why or why not.

3. Creative Writing

Imagine you are a tennis player playing in a long tiebreak. Describe what you are thinking and feeling.

4. Sports Comparison

Compare tennis with another sport you know. Which one is more difficult and why?