Draper “wins ugly” in his comeback as the Murray partnership begins with victory

Englishman Jack Draper marked his return to competition with a win on Monday, beating American Marcos Giron 6-4, 7-6 (5) to reach the last 16 of the Lexus Eastbourne Open in his first match since Barcelona in April.

It was a notable result for a player who has slipped to No 160 in the world after an injury-disrupted season – only the fifth event Draper has contested all year. The match also marked the first outing of his new coaching arrangement with Andy Murray, who has joined his box, and Draper saw something of his mentor in the way he ground out the win.

“Today’s performance was a bit like what he used to do – winning ugly,” Draper laughed after the match.

The Englishman was warm on the influence of the man now in his corner. “Andy is truthfully one of my biggest inspirations,” Draper said, while making clear the relationship had its limits of formality. “I haven’t called him ‘Sir’ yet – that’s not going to happen.” He pointed to what the partnership offered beyond reputation. “There’s also what he brings me in terms of tennis. He believes in my game and believes in me as a person.”

Draper will next face compatriot Jack Pinnington Jones for a place in the quarter-finals.