Jack Draper defeats Marcos Giron 6-4, 7-6 in Eastbourne first round

Jack Draper defeated Marcos Giron 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the first round at Eastbourne. The 24-year-old had not played since retiring from the Barcelona Open with knee tendonitis. Draper had been sidelined for seven months earlier in the year by a bone bruise in his arm. He began the week ranked No. 160 after reaching a career-high of No. 4 exactly one year earlier.

Coaching setup Draper is now coached by Andy Murray alongside James Trotman, who has moved into a general role with the Lawn Tennis Association men's programme. Murray sat in the player box and offered frequent encouragement during the match. Draper said the arrangement felt natural and described Murray's presence as a confidence boost rather than a source of added pressure.

Technical adjustments Draper has reverted to his previous pinpoint serving stance after a platform stance placed extra load on his knee. He served without major difficulty until a late service game and said his body felt stable after 85 minutes on court.

He struck the ball cleanly from the baseline and gradually improved his movement. Draper reported no new pain after the match and said he felt he had returned to full power. He will next attempt to build match fitness and ranking points as the grass-court season continues.