Jack Draper says Andy Murray’s impact has fired him back to his “powerful” best after a triumphant return to competitive tennis at Eastbourne.
The former World No 4, who has plummeted down the rankings after an injury-ridden few months, clinched a first-round victory over American Marcos Giron 6-4 7-6 (7-5) in front of new coach Murray on the south coast.
Draper, a former US Open semi-finalist, cut a restless figure in Devonshire Park after a series of chronic arm and knee injuries had sidelined him since April.
But the 24-year-old year dusted off the cobwebs in style to warm up for a Wimbledon return in perfect style and set up a last 16 date with fellow Brit Jack Pinnington Jones.
“I feel like I’m back at full power now, using a setup that I’m used to,” Draper said. “I’ve come on massively and gained a lot of confidence.
“I don’t feel any kind of nerves having Andy courtside, if anything it’s a real boost. I’ve known Andy since I was 19, so he’s a very familiar face.
“When you’re a tennis player in an individual sport, one of the most important things is having great people around you.”
The 2025 Indian Wells champion looked comfortable on the grass without a wince, landing on his left knee without discomfort and driving forehands at full power.
Draper’s layoff, which he explained was caused by a chronic shoulder blade injury and knee tendonitis, had seemingly worn off.
On his first grass outing of the season, the current World No 160 was still adapting to the surface and to his new string, having recently moved to a mix of polyester and gut string.
A switch to hybrid gut string from polyester means he can create more spin but has much more feel in his racket, and Draper played to the qualities of his new string in real time.
Proving his preparation seems to be the story of Draper’s Lexus Eastbourne Open so far, and it looked like his rebuild had worked.
He fired the first of his six aces early but was unable to break his opponent’s serve until the final game of the set, as Giron resolutely held on.
The bulky powerhouse’s forehand was accurate, while Giron started accruing double faults.
Draper took two attempts to claim the first set 6-4, employing drop shots to secure points as he found range from the middle of the court.
After Giron saved set point, the Brit from Sutton let out his frustrations, but Draper made sure to celebrate after winning his first set of competitive tennis in over a hundred days.
Meanwhile, Murray and James Trotman, Draper’s long-term coach, watched from their courtside box, rarely giving anything away.
As the court became drier in the baking sun, and both players started to slip, the former British No 1 moved towards low, driven, flat shots to stretch Giron.
Draper broke serve at 4-2, but Giron responded by breaking back and the set was taken to a tiebreaker. The home hero ensured that his week continues, winning the tiebreak 7-6 (7-5).
The grand slam semi-finalist will next play his good friend Pinnington Jones on Wednesday, after the World No 145 endured a nearly three-hour opening tie.
Pinnington Jones battled to a 5-7 6-3 7-5 victory in the midday sun over Argentinian Marco Trungelliti, and the 23-year-old spoke ahead of their clash.
Pinnington Jones said: “I was rooting for Jack to win today. I think hopefully it’s going to be a really good match and will be entertaining.”
For the latest updates on the British summer grass court season, visit the LTA website, lta.org.uk
