Jack Draper returns with victory in Davis Cup
Jack Draper made a commanding return to competitive tennis on Thursday, dispatching Norway’s Viktor Durasovic 6-2 6-2 to hand Great Britain a 1-0 advantage in their Davis Cup qualifying encounter in Oslo, reports BritPanorama.
After being absent for 164 days due to a bruised bone in his service arm, the British number one showcased his readiness. The match lasted just 61 minutes, during which the world number 13 exhibited sharp movement and powerful shot-making.
Draper demonstrated exceptional precision from the service line, conceding merely 10 points on his delivery throughout the contest. He served eight aces and won 88 percent of his first-serve points. Notably, he faced no break points across the two sets, securing early breaks in both frames and maintaining control.
Reflecting on his extended absence, the 24-year-old acknowledged “lots of dark moments” but emphasized the importance of continual practice and self-discovery during his recovery process. His comeback was emblematic of resilience and skill at a crucial juncture in his career.
The broad disparity in rankings, with Draper positioned 300 places higher than Durasovic, implied a comfortable outing, and the Englishman duly delivered, having recorded a breakthrough year prior to his injury. He had previously claimed the prestigious Masters 1,000 title at Indian Wells and reached the fourth round at both the Australian and French Opens.
Following the match, Draper’s injury hiatus from the sport had forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open, with his return delayed multiple times. This particular match not only marked his re-entry but also laid the foundation for a strong return to his ATP Tour commitments.
Draper was accompanied in Oslo by a significant Lawn Tennis Association contingent, alongside his new coach Jamie Delgado, marking a notable shift as personal coaches typically do not attend Davis Cup fixtures. This match offered Delgado the first chance to observe Draper in competitive conditions since taking over from James Trotman.
As the British team prepares for their next match-up, the focus will be on how Draper manages his workload moving forward, balancing his competitive ambitions with the need for recovery. This careful calibration could define his ability to sustain performance as he navigates the complexities of a return to the sport.
In the world of tennis, the line between triumph and tribulation is thin. Draper’s victory serves as a pertinent reminder of personal resolve amid the turbulence of competition — a true testament to both skill and mental fortitude.
