Jack Draper’s title defence at the Indian Wells Open started with an opening win over ATP veteran Roberto Bautista Agut.
Draper, who captured his first ATP Masters 1000 crown in ‘Tennis Paradise’ last year, came back from a set down against the Spaniard to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
The Briton had received a bye in the first round, and will now take on 19th seed Francisco Cerundolo in round three.
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Indian Wells is the third event Draper has featured at since returning from an arm injury which kept him sidelined for the second half of last season.
Following his victory over Bautista Agut, the 24-year-old said he feels like he is making progress with each appearance.
Jack Draper discusses his progress since returning from injury
Asked in his post-match press conference if he is becoming more comfortable on the court since returning, Draper replied: “Yeah, definitely.
“The volley was difficult because the courts were rapid, unbelievably fast, so couldn’t really get much rallies in, especially with the guys I played against last week.
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“To come here, it’s been better for practicing, and of course, there are a lot more rallies, especially with a player like Bautista, almost difficult because the balls are so soft and so heavy that it’s tough to hit winners.
“So I’m definitely getting more reps in on my groundstrokes. And I think definitely in the second and third sets today, playing more the way I want to be able to play and the way I need to play to be successful as the year goes on and as the tournament goes on. I feel like I’m improving.”
Jack Draper says he has to be ‘sensible’ in return from injury
Draper continued: “I mean, I haven’t started with the mindset to get competitive. It’s more in the matches, how not being as up and down to maintain the focus throughout the match.
“There is definitely a few times where my level was just dipped a little bit, and you can’t have that, especially against better and better players, because they take advantage of those moments. I think the more matches I play, that will all clear up.
“And then physically, yeah, I mean, I want to spend a lot of time on court. I want to be out there competing more and more, but obviously I am very still fresh to coming back from my injury, and I have to be sensible and know that I have a long career ahead of me.
“I’m still a bit of time away from where I want to be physically, because I have to make up for lost time on the practice court and on the match court, but I’m trending in the right direction. So week by week, day by day, things are getting better for me.”
Draper is seeded 14th at this year’s edition of the Indian Wells Open.
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