Jack Draper is into the semi-finals of the Eastbourne International, having handily overcome Gabriel Diallo in straight sets in front of a hopeful home crowd.
The British supporters on the South coast have been treated to a masterful return to action for the 23-year-old, who has suffered an injury-ravaged past 12 months.
This event represents his first in over two months, and the only preparatory grass-court event he will play before Wimbledon.
And yet, in the blink of an eye, it truly feels as though Jack Draper is cementing himself as an actual threat at this upcoming Grand Slam.
That is, if his fitness can hold up.
Jack Draper speaks after reaching the Eastbourne International semi-finals
Speaking to Naomi Broady, he was asked to sum up what was, in all honesty, a hugely impressive performance against a truly threatening opponent on the grass.
“It was amazing,” Draper began. “I love this tournament. I came here four years ago, and I hadn’t been back since, so even now, I missed Queen’s last week, and maybe I wouldn’t have played here.
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“I’m incredibly happy to be here to get some matches under my belt. It’s a great feeling, so I’m really proud of my performance there.
“I thought it was quite a strong performance against a tougher player.”
Then, referencing Diallo and his fearsome 6’8 frame, Draper admitted: “Yeah, I mean, I think the first few shots [when returning his serve] are really important. It’s not easy looking down the net, and I think I’m tall; he’s towering over me. So it’s a difficult one, especially on the grass.
“But I think I returned really well, and I instilled a lot of doubt in the return games. I think I returned extremely well, so yeah, it was a better performance again today, and each performance has gone that way, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Brit concluded with a much-anticipated fitness update after playing his third match in just four days: “Yeah, good, I feel great.
“It’s obviously been a difficult year with a lot of injury setbacks and everything, but I’m gaining more confidence in my body. Winning helps, obviously!”
Draper made a comment about Andy Murray after his first match since returning, which also marked his first match under the Scot’s stewardship.
What was even more impressive than Jack Draper’s serving vs Gabriel Diallo
Draper is a player renowned for his thunderous serve. It underpins his entire game and what fired him to fourth in the world rankings last year.
And yet, in his three comeback matches, and particularly today, his performances have been marked by an incredible level of return.
Diallo has one of the most daunting serves in the sport, and fired off three aces in his very first service game to lay down a marker.
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Many would have wilted after such a statement, and yet Draper went on to win six straight games to claim the set.
As such, the Canadian managed just a 59% win rate off his first serve, which was hit with venom whenever it went in, and a pitiful 23% win rate on his second serve.
It really feels like, whilst all this time away from the sport will have been torturous for Draper, he might actually return as an even better player than he was last year.
