Jack Draper’s first-round matchup with Terence Atmane at the ATP National Bank Open in Montreal is one of the more eye-catching openings on Day 2, mainly because Draper is still trying to re-establish himself after a month-plus interruption caused by an arm problem. He briefly returned on grass at Eastbourne in June, then withdrew from Wimbledon and Washington, so this match offers an immediate test of where his game stands now.
For Draper, the main question is not just whether he can win, but whether he can get through a competitive match cleanly after the layoff. That makes this a notable early check-in in Canada, especially with 18 first-round matches on the schedule and several players still sorting out their form heading deeper into the summer.
What Atmane brings into Montreal
Atmane has not been in strong form overall, but he does arrive with some confidence after beating Frances Tiafoe last week. That result matters because it shows he can still produce at a higher level even in a patchy stretch. He has also had the kind of season where one result can briefly change the tone, and this is now his chance to make that win count again.
The bigger picture, though, is that Atmane still has to prove the Tiafoe result was part of something more stable. His recent form remains uneven, so against a player of Draper’s caliber, consistency will matter just as much as shot-making.
Why this matchup matters
This is the type of opening-round match that can shape the rest of the draw. Draper is the more established player on paper, but any return from an arm issue comes with questions about timing, rhythm and match sharpness. If he handles the physical side well, he has a clear path to settle into the event.
If Atmane can push him, it would add to a summer that has already shown flashes of possibility. Either way, the winner moves on with a useful early test behind him, and the next round could bring another interesting matchup, including a potential meeting with Alejandro Tabilo in the second round.
That is what makes this one worth watching: Draper is trying to prove his body is ready again, while Atmane is trying to show that last week’s win was not a one-off. In a tournament loaded with first-round matches, that is a pretty solid place to start.
