Eastbourne 2026: Jack Draper returns from injury to win ‘ugly’ as Sir Andy Murray

Britain’s Jack Draper said he was inspired by new coach Sir Andy Murray to claim an “ugly” win in his first competitive match in more than two months.

A knee injury has kept the 24-year-old on the sidelines since April, but he has been working with Murray in recent weeks after joining the three-time Grand Slam champion for the grass-court season.

The pair’s partnership got off to a winning start in Eastbourne when Draper held off a late charge from American Marcos Giron to secure a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) win.

Ask what it’s like to be there a knight In his coaching box, Draper joked: “I haven’t called him ‘sir’ yet – that’s not going to happen.

“I’m really grateful to Andy for choosing to help me and wanting to help me.

“Today’s performance was a bit of what he used to do – ugly wins.”

The win was Draper’s first since defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells in March.

The former British number one moved well around the court and looked particularly strong on serve, dropping just one point on his first serve as he wrapped up the opening set in 35 minutes.

Draper quickly broke up in the second – but when he offered Giron triple break-back points for the match at 5-4, the American took full advantage to go level before forcing a tie-break.

However, Draper held his nerve in the tie-break to advance and set up a meeting with fellow Brit Jack Pinnington Jones.

“I lost concentration, which can happen if you haven’t played for a while and you’re against a good player like Marcos,” Draper said.