“A strong comeback signals Draper’s determination to return to top form”
British tennis player Jack Draper made a strong return to the ATP Tour after a long injury layoff. He won his first match in six months at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Draper defeated Quentin Halys 7‑6 (10‑8), 6‑3 in the first round. He showed composure and confidence despite his time away from competitive play. The first set was particularly close, but Draper held his nerve in the tiebreak to gain momentum.
This was Draper’s first main-draw match since withdrawing from the US Open last year due to a bone bruise in his left arm. Earlier in February, he also defeated Viktor Durasovic in a Davis Cup qualifying match. That win marked his first competitive victory in months and helped him regain match fitness.
The 24-year-old British number one praised his team and said it felt great to compete at tour level again. He called the Dubai win a big boost to his confidence and motivation, noting that returning from injury had been challenging.
Draper will now face either Fabian Marozsan or Arthur Rinderknech in the second round. He aims to continue his comeback, make a strong impression on the tour, and climb back up the ATP rankings.