Draper on the Rise, into Eastbourne Quarterfinals

Two wins in three days feels like a dream for Jack Draper, especially considering where he has been for the better part of the last year.

A bone bruise in his left arm followed by an injury to a tendon in his right knee pushed the former World No.4 to the sidelines and knocked him out of the Top 100, but he appears to be trending in the right direction again this week in Eastbourne.

On Wednesday, he powered into the quarterfinals with a 7-5, 6-4 win over compatriot Jack Pinnington Jones to set up a last-eight clash with Canada’s Gabriel Diallo.

After starting the week at No.160, Draper is already up to No.143.

“My confidence levels were below the floor a couple weeks ago,” the 24-year-old admitted after Wednesday’s win.

Draper was broken only once in 11 service games, for 5-5 in the opening set, but recovered immediately to claim the final two games. He broke early in the second set and never faced a break point as he raced to victory in one hour and 30 minutes.

More confidence gained for the southpaw, who improves to 7-4 on the season.

“I haven’t played for a long time. I didn’t play Queen’s because I just wasn’t ready, so to come here and be on court competing and playing at a high level very quickly, I’m very grateful.

“I was on a great trajectory last year,” he said. “Being at a career-high ranking of No.4 and then having my body stop me in my tracks, not being able to play, the last year has been really difficult.”

If Draper hits his stride quickly, he could find himself significantly higher in the rankings after Wimbledon. He is defending just second-round points at the Championships.

It would be easy to look ahead, but Draper is happy to stay focused on the present. With Andy Murray in his coaching box, he hopes to continue building momentum as he takes things day by day in Eastbourne.

“Right now it’s just about coming out each day, being consistent with my practice, trying to get as many matches as I can to get my confidence back to where I need to be and hopefully rising up the rankings once again,” he said.