Britain’s Jack Draper says he drew inspiration from new coach Sir Andy Murray to claim an “ugly” win in his first competitive match in over 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 up with the three-time Grand Slam champion for the grass-court season.
The pair’s partnership got off to a winning start at Eastbourne as Draper held off a late charge by American Marcos Giron to secure a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory.
Asked what it was like having 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 that he’s chosen to help me and wants to help me.
“Today was a performance a bit like what he used to do – winning ugly.”
The victory was Draper’s first since he beat 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells in March.
The former British number one moved well around the court and looked especially strong on serve, dropping just one point behind his first serve as he wrapped up the opening set in 35 minutes.
Draper went a quick break up in the second – but when he offered Giron a triple break-back point while serving for the match at 5-4, the American took full advantage to move level before forcing a tie-break.
However, Draper held his nerve in the tie-break to advance and set up a meeting with fellow Briton 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.