Draper’s Long Awaited Return Commences with win at Davis Cup

Jack Draper’s comeback from a bruised bone in his left arm was delayed twice, and forced him to miss January’s Australian Open.

But the British No.1, ranked No.13, is finally back on court after remaining in active since the 2025 US Open.

Draper beat Norway’s Viktor Durasovic (world No.329), 6-2, 6-2, in Davis Cup qualifying.

“It’s really good to play here in Oslo and have my first match in a long time,” Draper said. “To get a point on the board for Great Britain. I haven’t played Davis Cup in a long time so it’s good to be out here and I’m proud of my performance today.

“Just a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance. It’s been a really difficult time since I’ve been away from the sport but I knew I had to keep on practicing my hardest and learning about myself. That’s hard work that no one sees and then when I come back hopefully I’m able to play some top tennis again.”

It’s a big step for Draper after he was forced to miss this year’s Australian Open due to the arm issue that began nagging him last spring. It derailed what was shaping up to be a magnificent season. Draper won his first Masters 1000 title last March at Indian Wells, played the finals of the Madrid masters and went 30-9 overall in a season that also saw him make his Top-5 debut (he peaked at No.4 in June).

Draper will face world No.135 Nikolai Budkov Kjaer next in the Davis Cup qualifying tie.

Cam norrie defeated Nikolai Budkov Kjaer, 6-4, 6-4 to give Great Britain a 2-0 lead over Norway.