Jack Draper has described his 15-month injury ordeal as being in an 'asylum' after advancing to the quarter-finals of the Eastbourne Open with a straight-sets victory over compatriot Jack Pinnington Jones. The British No.3 won 7-5 6-4 in scorching Sussex heat on Wednesday, his second straight win under the watchful eye of Sir Andy Murray, who observed courtside.
Injury struggles and recovery
Draper, a former US Open semi-finalist, has been plagued by a bone condition in his left arm and knee tendonitis over the past year, also battling tonsillitis during his run to the Queen's Club semi-finals last summer. Most recently, he was forced to hand Tomas Martin Etcheverry a walkover at the Barcelona Open due to another injury setback. After falling to world No.160, Draper has fought back to fitness.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard to get fit again and nothing can be as hard as what’s gone on with me the last year,” Draper said. “It is way easier to be back competing at tournaments, than when you’re injured. You’re in the asylum, training every day, trying to work things out, [through] pain and struggle.”
Wimbledon ambitions under Murray's guidance
Draper, 24, is now eyeing a statement return at his home Grand Slam, Wimbledon, where he was stunned in the second round by Marin Cilic last year. He was the fourth seed at the All England Club in 2025 but will face the uncertainty of an unseeded draw on Friday, potentially meeting a top name in the first round.
“I feel better and better about my body and my tennis, and the more days I can come through, that only puts me in a better spot for Wimbledon,” he added. Draper revealed he had battled a stomach bug before his win over Pinnington Jones but called himself a “good actor” for raising his level. He opted not to wear an arm sleeve against Giron but used a white band on his left arm for sweat purposes only.
Draper will face unseeded Canadian Gabriel Diallo on Thursday, who came from behind to eliminate fourth seed Etcheverry. With a three-time Grand Slam champion now in his corner, Draper hopes to unsettle the top echelons of men's tennis once more.
