OSLO, Norway – Jack Draper marked his return from a five-month injury layoff with a commanding performance, spearheading Great Britain’s charge in their Davis Cup qualifying tie against Norway. Draper’s straight-sets victory over Viktor Durasovic, 6-2, 6-2, set the tone for a dominant opening day, with Cameron Norrie following suit to secure a 2-0 lead for the visitors.
The British number one had been sidelined since August with a bruised bone in his service arm, a setback that forced him to miss the Australian Open in January. His recovery was twice delayed, adding to the anticipation surrounding his return to competitive play. Despite the lengthy absence, Draper displayed little rust, delivering a polished performance that underscored his potential as a leading force in men’s tennis.
“It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been able to compete on the match court and today was a great opportunity to do that,” Draper said after the match. The win, achieved in just 59 minutes, was particularly satisfying given the challenges he faced during his rehabilitation.
Draper’s victory wasn’t merely a return to action; it was a statement. He served effectively, moved with agility and showcased powerful ball-striking, overwhelming Durasovic, who is ranked 313rd in the world – a full 300 places below Draper. While acknowledging the disparity in ranking, Draper focused on the significance of simply being back on court.
“I’m winning by being here,” Draper stated, reflecting a perspective shaped by his time away from the game. He elaborated on the mental shift he experienced during his recovery, recognizing the importance of perspective. “Tennis is a bubble, and sometimes you can get distracted that it’s all that matters in life. When you have time out, I used it wisely I think to try and make sure that when I try and come back to tennis, that I’m ready to go all the way again.”
The injury forced Draper to step back from the intense focus that often defines professional tennis. He admitted to not closely following the sport during his rehabilitation, a deliberate choice to create mental space and refocus his priorities. “In all honesty, in this period, I haven’t really been following it too much,” he revealed. “It’s something I put my whole life into and so I knew that when this injury came about, I had to maybe take a step back and not be so intense with it.”
Norrie’s subsequent win over Nicolai Budkov Kjaer further solidified Great Britain’s position in the tie. The match followed a similar pattern to Draper’s, with Norrie securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory through consistent play and resilience. Norrie, known for his gritty determination, proved too strong for the young Norwegian.
Great Britain now stands on the cusp of victory. Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash have the opportunity to clinch the tie for Britain in Friday’s doubles match. Should the British pair succeed, it will mark a swift and decisive win. However, if the doubles match goes the other way, Draper and Norrie will be called upon once again for the reverse singles matches, potentially facing a more challenging battle to secure the overall victory.
The stakes are high. The winner of this qualifying tie will advance to face either Australia or Ecuador in November’s eight-team Finals. A place in the Finals represents a significant opportunity for Great Britain to compete among the elite nations in men’s tennis. The team’s performance in Oslo is therefore crucial, not only for their immediate progression in the competition but also for their long-term ambitions.
Draper’s return is particularly significant for Great Britain. Ranked 13th in the world, he is a key player in the team’s lineup, and his presence adds a considerable dimension to their competitive prospects. His successful comeback provides a boost of confidence and momentum as they strive to reach the Finals and contend for the Davis Cup title.
While Draper’s win came against a significantly lower-ranked opponent, the manner of his victory – characterized by sharp serving, fluid movement, and aggressive ball-striking – suggests he is quickly regaining his form. The coming matches will provide a more rigorous test of his fitness and readiness, but his initial performance offers a promising sign for both his individual career and Great Britain’s Davis Cup campaign.
