After a year plagued by injury setbacks, Jack Draper has emphatically announced his return to form, securing a place in his first semi-final in 12 months at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
The 24-year-old’s impressive run comes in his inaugural tournament week under the guidance of new coach Andy Murray.
Draper, who has not conceded a set on the south coast, delivered his most impressive outing to date against the 6ft 8in Canadian Gabriel Diallo, triumphing 6-1 6-4.
A brief lapse saw him drop serve early in the second set, but he quickly regained control, concluding the match with an impressive tally of 25 winners against just nine unforced errors. He will now compete in his first semi-final since Queen’s Club last year.
open image in gallery“It feels amazing,” Draper told BBC Sport. “I love this tournament. Even though I missed Queen’s last week and maybe I wouldn’t have played here, I’m incredibly happy to be here and to get some matches under my belt is a great feeling.
“I’m really proud of my performance today, I thought it was quite a strong performance against a tough player. I think I returned really well and I instilled a lot of doubt in the return games. It was a better performance again today and each performance has gone that way so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Despite revealing he was battling a stomach bug earlier in the week, Draper showed no discernible signs of discomfort against Diallo in the blistering conditions.
Commenting on his physical state, he added: “I feel great. It’s obviously been a difficult year with a lot of injury setbacks but I’m gaining more confidence in my body. Winning helps, obviously. I’m not sure how good of an idea it is to wear all black. I was definitely feeling it yesterday but it’s the only kit I’ve got with me so hopefully it’s not hot again tomorrow.”
open image in galleryDraper will be joined in the semi-finals by lucky loser Toby Samuel, who secured the most significant victory of his career for the second consecutive day. Samuel defeated eighth seed Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 6-4.
The 23-year-old, who experienced the most significant ascent in the rankings of any male player last year, built on his triumph against Thiago Agustin Tirante by marking his first victory over a top-50 ranked opponent.
“It’s been crazy,” said Samuel, who is edging closer to the top 100. “I’m so grateful to be in this situation here this week. It’s just been surreal playing my first proper ATP event and making the semis is insane.”
Samuel is set to face Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, who ended the run of another British player, Jan Choinski, with a 6-3 6-3 win.