British star Jack Draper has made a triumphant return after a long injury absence.
Playing for the first time since withdrawing from last year’s US Open, Draper will represent Great Britain in a Davis Cup qualifier against Norway.
He dominated his opponent, defeating Viktor Durasovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, converting his second match point to put Britain ahead in a tie.
The British number one has played just one match since Wimbledon last July, with his 2025 season cut short completely due to a bone bruise in his left arm, and he also missed last month’s Australian Open.
The 24-year-old has been plagued by serious injuries before, missing six months of the 2023 season with a shoulder problem that required multiple surgeries, but the nature of this injury proved even more difficult to deal with.
It will be reassuring for him to return to the game with a win.
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Jonathan Overend analyzes Draper’s return
Speaking afterwards, Draper said: “It was great to play my game and get my first point for Great Britain.
“It took hard work and perseverance. It was a really tough time after I left the sport, but I did the hard work that no one saw coming. I hope I can play some decent tennis again when I get back.”
It was the perfect soft restart for Draper, with the Norwegian side missing their top player, world No. 12 Casper Ruud, whose absence was the equivalent of leaving Erling Haaland out of the national soccer team.
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Draper talks about taking time off from tennis due to injury and returning to court in Davis Cup
Ruud’s withdrawal was understandable, but his wife had given birth to their first daughter a few days earlier, and the announcement was only made 10 minutes before Wednesday’s drawing ceremony, which packed the 2,000-seat Nadelud Arena.
Nevertheless, the Norwegian crowd still had a chance to see the player who, until his injury was diagnosed after Wimbledon, rose to No. 4 in the world last June and was seen as one of the most likely to challenge the duo of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Draper’s strengths, a strong left-handed serve and powerful forehand, were compromised by the injury. But despite wearing protective gear, he appeared to be swinging freely here.
It was difficult to gauge Draper’s level against Durasovic, who was ranked low at 313. But eight aces, only 10 points dropped on serve, and a healthy number of forehand winners certainly made for an encouraging start.
Norrie doubles GB’s lead
British No. 2 Cameron Norrie, who had just reached the third round at the Australian Open, had a much tougher match in his second singles match against former Wimbledon junior champion and teenager Nikolai Budkov Kjaer.
But the 30-year-old won 6-4, 6-4, giving Great Britain a 2-0 lead heading into the second day of the first round tie.
Leon Smith’s side could secure a 3-0 lead if double Wimbledon champions Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash win in Friday afternoon’s opening match.
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