Draper dazzles on Davis Cup Finals debut for Great Britain, delights home crowd in Manchester

Jack Draper defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis in his debut for Great Britain in the Davis Cup with a score of 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-6(4).

At the age of 21, Jack Draper emerged as one of the new prospects in 2022. He entered the Next Gen ATP Finals as the third seed, reaching the semifinals before falling to the eventual champion, Brandon Nakashima.

Despite a fantastic year in 2022, Draper has struggled with injuries this year, causing him to drop from his career-high ranking of world No. 38 to outside the top 120. However, in recent weeks, he has regained his form, notably reaching the round of 16 at the US Open.

Draper was entrusted with the role of the second singles player for Great Britain in the Davis Cup, and he defeated Kokkinakis in a hard-fought match, securing the first point of the series for his country. Great Britain is aiming to secure a spot in the tournament's final in December.

"I'm playing for my country and had to put everything out on the line - usually I'm playing for myself," said Draper

"There is nothing better. It was a real battle, it is amazing to play my first Davis Cup tie in the UK and I'm grateful to be here” he added.

"I'm so happy Leon trusted me and put me out here,” claimed world No. 104.

Jack Draper's schedule will remain busy in the coming weeks. Starting from September 25th, he will be participating in the Challenger Orleans as the 8th seed, followed by the event in Mouilleron Le Captif where he is seeded 7th.

In the second match, the No. 1 players from each country, Alex De Minaur and Dan Evans, will compete. If Evans secures a victory, it will mean that Great Britain takes the series. However, the doubles match is still on the horizon, where Dan Evans and Neal Skupski are likely to form the British pair.