Draper builds comeback momentum with Eastbourne semi-final run

Jack Draper is into the Eastbourne Open semi-finals after defeating Gabriel Diallo in straight sets, extending a positive return in his first tournament for more than two months. The British player produced a controlled 69-minute performance, finishing with 22 winners and only four unforced errors.

The result is significant because Draper is trying to rebuild after a disrupted spell that included knee, arm and shoulder problems over the past year. He has said his confidence in his body is growing, an important note with Wimbledon approaching and grass-court matches at a premium.

Draper’s ranking has fallen to 160th, despite a recent career peak that included a Grand Slam semi-final, a rise to world number four and an ATP 1000 title at Indian Wells. His next test in Eastbourne is a semi-final against sixth seed Ugo Humbert, with a place in the final at stake.

There was also a notable British storyline elsewhere in the men’s draw, as lucky loser Toby Samuel beat Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 6-4 to reach his first tour-level semi-final. Samuel will face Zizou Bergs, while Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko advanced in the women’s draw with straight-set victories.