Draper smiles again: "I have earned the right to compete again"

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With renewed excitement and the conviction that the work done during the most difficult moments is beginning to bear fruit. On the doorstep of Wimbledon, Jack Draper continues to represent one of the great talents of British tennis, a man who faces a new stage with a simple yet ambitious goal: to enjoy competition again. The ATP 250 Eastbourne will only be the first step.

A tournament that also holds a special meaning for Draper. It was in this tournament where he began to establish himself on the ATP circuit, and to return now, after overcoming numerous physical setbacks, marks a kind of full circle. Beyond the results, the British number one celebrates something that seemed distant for months: feeling prepared to compete again at the highest level.

“I feel good. I am very excited to be back at a tournament. Especially here in Eastbourne, because I think I haven't played here for four years, so I am very happy to return. I think it was here where I first entered the top100. I remember playing against Brooksby in the first round and then getting a very good victory against Schwartzman. Then I ended up losing to Cressy, but I loved the atmosphere. It's a fantastic coastal city, and I have always had very good memories of this tournament,” the Englishman said in an interview shared by the LTA.

“I've been injured for a long time, I've faced many setbacks and many difficulties, especially during the last year, but I've kept going and worked very hard. Honestly, I am excited just to be back at a tournament,” Draper added. “I am going to give my all on the court, as I always do, but being here, feeling good physically again, and being prepared to compete is already very important. We'll see what happens,” he assures full of excitement.

Andy Murray, the key figure in Jack Draper's comeback

Regarding his preparation on grass, Draper acknowledges that he is still in the adaptation process after missing part of the tour. “It has gone well. It was obviously a shame to miss Queen's, but being here is positive. On grass, I feel that I improve every day because the season is very short, and you are not used to playing on this surface. I hope the matches also help me gain confidence,” assesses the man who will have a legend by his side.

Because yes, we can confirm that one of the key figures during his recovery has been Andy Murray, whose experience has been a guide for the young British player. “Andy is amazing, honestly. I have a great relationship with him off the court, but on the court, there are very few people who know more about tennis than him. He has been an extraordinary support for me. At this point in my career, for him to believe in me, in my tennis, and support me to do well means a lot,” emphasizes the former world No. 4, although currently outside the top hundred.

Draper also highlights the value of having someone who has experienced similar situations. “No one can really understand what it means to go through an injury until they live it. Andy has been through a lot throughout his career. Injuries, adversities, and setbacks. But he always managed to overcome them and return to a high level.”

The Briton admits that patience has been one of the most important lessons during this period: “Everything is a process. It's not about one tournament or two, but about what I do every day in training. After my injuries, the important thing is to keep progressing and developing my game with a long-term perspective. During this grass tour, I just wanted to compete again. Many weeks and months were spent doing the same thing over and over, trying to get my body to respond and be able to return to the courts. I have earned the right to compete again. I have worked a lot, and this grass season, I want to compete at my best,” the 24-year-old pointed out.

Returning is fantastic news, but returning and doing it at home adds a special emotional component. “There is nothing comparable to competing, especially in front of people. It's a unique feeling. When you don't have it, you miss it. It's something that makes me feel complete when I'm out there competing,” he concludes.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Draper vuelve a sonreír: “Me he ganado el derecho a competir otra vez”