"I feel like I've sort of freshened up": Draper expresses 'relief' after clinching second round spot at US Open

Britain’s tennis star Jack Draper has revealed that he was ‘relief’ after cementing his spot in the second round of the US Open. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year began on Monday, where players from all over the world are participating to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

Draper was also taking part in the event and booked his place in the second round after being awarded a walkover in the match against China’s Zhang Zhizhen. The game was called off in the third set when the score was 6-3, 6-0, 4-0. Draper, while talking to the media after the match, admitted that there was ‘relief’ about the development.

“He was clearly injured and over time, his injury seemed to get worse,” said Draper. “After the other Grand Slams, it's kind of a nice feeling to maybe to have one that was a little bit easier, and hopefully can settle me in. Obviously it was a bit of a storm last week, definitely when I played three tough matches there. In the last couple of days, I feel like I've sort of freshened up and my mindsets on competing here, and I think today, I know he got injured, but I was ready to play my best tennis out there. I felt really, really good about myself. So is there a bit of relief that you feel that. I feel good the last couple of days just getting rid of those feelings and sort of moving on.”

It is the third consecutive year that Draper has managed to book his place in the second round of the US Open. He is set to face Facundo Díaz Acosta of Argentina in the round of 64. He booked his spot in the second round after France’s Hugo Gaston in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.