Jack Draper is into the third round at Indian Wells, having survived a slow start against Roberto Bautista Agut to claim the win.
It was an unsurprisingly sluggish performance from the British number one, playing in just his second match since the US Open last year.
What was perhaps most worrying for his fans was not the performance, but the fact that he entered the court with his knee strapped up whilst also wearing a compression sleeve on his affected arm.
Jack Draper has since emerged to quell any fears over his fitness.
Jack Draper shares injury update after strapping up his knee
Speaking at his Indian Wells press conference, the British number one was keen to provide a comprehensive fitness update following the second match of his return.
He began by outlining the difficulties associated with returning after so long out, noting: “Yeah, firstly, yeah, I think the more time I actually spend on court, the better. I don’t want to be obviously playing three-set matches, but I think, for instance, today is the first Masters 1000 back up. Been off the tour for eight months, and so it’s been difficult getting back into it.
Where will Jack Draper be ranked by the end of 2026?
“So I think today helped me actually playing three sets and being able to stay out there a bit longer and work things out and be in those tough situations mentally, because saving breakpoints and having adversity against you in matches, you can’t really replicate how you feel when you’re in that situation in practice and these types of things.
“I didn’t feel like I panicked too much. I just knew that I had to step up my game, otherwise I was going to lose, because everyone is a top player here. They take advantage of that.”
He then explained the reasons behind the strapping on his knee: “Yeah, as for knee, my knee is good. Obviously when you have an injury for a long time and you’re not able to play 100% on court, this sport is very physical, it’s very demanding on your body, and so you pick up lots of other little niggles. It’s not like you’re just off the court resting. You have to get yourself back up to 100% and fully moving.
“Competitive tennis now, that’s the way it is. You’re using your body so much. My knee is fine.”
Draper spoke on court straight after his win, rating his performance and thanking the crowd.
A sensational start for British tennis at Indian Wells
Draper’s win marked the latest in what has been a hugely successful start to life in the California desert for the Brits.
After all, all but two on both the men’s and the women’s sides have gained passage into the third round.
Sonay Kartal was the only player not gifted a first-round bye, and having beaten Lanlana Tararudee, she continued her fine run by beating Emma Navarro in a third-set tiebreaker.
Elsewhere, Cameron Norrie recorded a straightforward win over Mackenzie McDonald, whilst Emma Raducanu impressed by beating Anastasia Zakharova.
The only two British casualties were Jacob Fearnley, who lost in three sets to Taylor Fritz, and Francesca Jones, who was beaten by Kayla Day.
