Jack Draper made a winning return at the Eastbourne International on Tuesday, defeating Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-2 in the first round. The match was Draper's first under the guidance of new coach Andy Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion who joined his team earlier this month.
Dominant Performance
The British No. 1 broke Kecmanovic's serve twice in each set, winning 78% of points on his first serve and saving all three break points he faced. Draper, ranked 12th in the world, needed just 68 minutes to secure victory on the grass courts of Devonshire Park.
“It was a really solid performance,” Draper said after the match. “I felt comfortable out there, and having Andy in my corner gives me a lot of confidence. He brings a wealth of experience, especially on grass, and I'm learning a lot from him already.”
Murray's Influence
Andy Murray, who retired from professional tennis last year, was seen courtside offering advice during changeovers. The partnership was announced on June 10, with Murray taking on a mentoring role for the 23-year-old. Murray himself won the Eastbourne title in 2009 and has a strong record on grass, having won Wimbledon twice.
Draper is aiming to improve his grass-court form ahead of Wimbledon, where he reached the fourth round last year. The Eastbourne tournament serves as a key preparation event for the Grand Slam, which begins on July 1.
Next Opponent
Draper will face either compatriot Cameron Norrie or Australian Alex de Minaur in the second round. Both are formidable opponents, but Draper expressed confidence in his current form. “I'm taking it match by match, but I feel good physically and mentally. The work with Andy is just beginning, and I think there's more to come.”
The victory extends Draper's winning streak on grass to three matches, following a semi-final appearance at the Stuttgart Open earlier this month. He has now won 22 of his 32 matches this season, including a title at the Adelaide International in January.
