Jack Draper’s first ATP tournament back might have ended at the second round phase, but he has plenty of reasons to be positive.
Draper defeated Quentin Halys in straight sets in the first round to set up a match with in-form Arthur Rinderknech.
The star struggled to combat Rinderknech’s big serve as he lost out in a close-knit three set battle in Dubai.
Despite his early exit, the British number one showed plenty of signs that he could soon get back to his best.
Why Jack Draper will soon return to top form
Draper’s first ATP tournament back should be heralded as overwhelmingly positive, despite it ending with one win and one defeat.
Draper was forced to battle it out in both matches against Halys and Rinderknech, winning tie-breaks in both matches.
One of the British star’s biggest strengths on a tennis court is his ability to battle it out and it’s clear that he has not lost that.
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Draper has tweaked his serve to combat his arm injury, but it still looked a huge danger on the incredibly fast courts in Dubai.
The Brit’s power game has clearly not been lost after his injury, with his forehand in particular still looking like a major weapon.
The star hit an almighty forehand winner against the odds vs Rinderknech, which topped one hundred miles per hour.
Despite his early exit, Draper’s time at the Dubai Tennis Championships could be crucial in helping him return to top form.
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Draper’s early exit at the Dubai Tennis Championships could also prove to be somewhat of a blessing in disguise as he now has a few more days off before his next tournament.
The British star will now head to Indian Wells for the first of the Sunshine Double, which also includes the Miami Open.
Draper won Indian Wells last year to capture his first Masters title, so he will be hoping to defend his crown this term.
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While that seems unlikely at this point, Indian Wells offers a wider field than most Masters events, with 96 players competing.
That will give Draper a major chance to get more matches under his belt, against players he would be expected to beat.
After the double bill of Indian Wells and Miami, Draper could be about to hit full fitness for the clay court swing.
