Draper claimed the primary set inside 32 minutes earlier than Cerundolo supplied a sterner check in the second, breaking Draper’s serve in the opening sport.
An additional break meant Cerundolo had the prospect to serve for the set at 5-4 up, however Draper resisted and took the subsequent three video games to clinch victory on his first match level.
Draper’s win means he’ll face 38-year-old Djokovic for the primary time since he took the primary set off the defending champion on his Wimbledon debut in 2021.
“I’ve been watching him since I was a young boy and in my opinion he’s the greatest player of all-time,” mentioned Draper.
“When you come up against him you know he’s going to be there mentally, you know he’s going to make it an incredibly tough match and play some crazy tennis. I’m going to have to be ready for that.
“Anyone who’s in the sport and is aware of tennis, is aware of that what he has performed in the game and what he’s nonetheless doing is mind-blowing.”
The victories for Norrie and Draper got here a day on from fellow Briton Emma Raducanu being well beaten by American Amanda Anisimova, successful solely two video games and being ousted in 52 minutes.
Norrie is the 27th seed in the men’s draw but played above that status as he earned three breaks en route to victory over De Minaur.
His subsequent opponent will likely be Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, who beat Kazakhstan’s tenth seed Alexander Bublik in three units.
