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Jack Draper has beaten his own personal record after his win over Frances Tiafoe in Stuttgart

Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images for LTA
Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images for LTA
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Jack Draper suffered a very disappointing exit in his latest major, with the British ace losing in the first round of the French Open.

Heading into the competition at 39th in the world rankings, he would have been keen on a lengthy run on the Roland Garros clay.

But Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong had other ideas, coming out on top 5-7, 4-6, 7-6(7-3), 6-3, 3-6 in Paris.

Draper’s confidence will have taken a huge knock after the defeat, with his physical state also taking a hit given that it was a four-battle.

But rather than sitting back and thinking about what could have been, the 22-year-old returned to the court to put things right.

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Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images

Jack Draper beats own personal record at Stuttgart Open

Draper was immediately back to tennis and this time preparing for the next stage of the season, taking part in a practice session on the grass at the National Tennis Centre.

And that move looks to have already paid off, with the British star now into the final of the Stuttgart Open.

Wins against Sebastian Ofner, Marcos Giron and Brandon Nakashima have helped secure a spot in the last two in Germany, but his most notable win involved knocking out Frances Tiafoe.

Draper won their quarter-final encounter 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(7-1), with the Briton hitting a personal record of 31 aces against the fourth seed, much to his delight.

“I think that’s the most I’ve ever hit,” Draper told Sky Sports after the win. You guys have made me hit better serves today I think. 

“I’m really happy with the way I served and the way I played, it was a really high-quality match.”

Jack Draper set to seek Andy Murray’s advice

At just 22, Draper understandably has areas of his game to improve upon, but his serving is clearly a very strong point.

The superb win against Tiafoe, who is ranked 28th in the world, was quickly followed by a more straightforward win against Brandon Nakashima.

The Briton overcame the American 6-3, 6-3 to clinch his final spot, fittingly winning the match with an ace.

Having missed the entire grass-court season last year due to a shoulder injury, Draper is now looking very strong on the surface.

He will be eager to take that form into Wimbledon, and will be out to prove a point after falling to 40th in the world rankings.

Draper can undoubtedly take inspiration from two-time winner and fellow Brit Andy Murray, with the former set to contact the latter ‘a lot more’ for advice once he retires from the sport.