Jack Draper Triumphs in ATP Tour Comeback in Dubai
Jack Draper showcased his resilience and skill by marking a triumphant return to the ATP Tour at the Dubai Championships. After overcoming injury struggles that affected his performance earlier in the season, Draper demonstrated impressive form on the court.
Return to Competitive Tennis
Draper, who previously secured a Masters 1,000 title at Indian Wells and reached the fourth rounds of both the Australian Open and French Open in early 2025, faced a setback due to a bruised bone in his service arm. This issue worsened during the clay-court season. As a result, Draper opted to skip the Australian Open to ensure a full recovery.
He made his comeback for Great Britain on February 5, where he was seeded fourth at the Dubai Championships. During his first match, Draper faced challenges but managed to pull through.
Match Highlights
- Draper encountered a set point while serving at 5-4 in the first set.
- He won a critical tie-break, closing it out with three consecutive points despite trailing 8-7.
- The first break of serve occurred in the second set, giving Draper a 3-1 lead over his opponent, Harold Halys, ranked 68th.
- Once ahead, Draper maintained control, conceding only two points on serve.
He finished the match with a remarkable 86% win rate on his first serve. Notably, 19 of his 24 winners came from his forehand side, which had previously been affected by his injury.
Other British Players in Action
While Draper celebrated his success, other British players had varied results in Mexico.
- Katie Boulter, aged 29, won her opening match against Beatriz Haddad Maia, finishing 6-4, 6-4 at the Merida Open.
- In contrast, Cameron Norrie, 30, experienced a setback, losing 6-3, 6-2 to Spain’s Rafael Jodar in the Mexican Open.
As the season progresses, Draper’s strong performance in Dubai signals a promising return to form and greater accomplishments ahead.
