Jack Draper enjoyed a triumphant return to competitive tennis by winning his first match since August.
Draper, whose last competitive match was at the 2025 US Open last summer, was sidelined with an arm injury for five months.
The world number 13 faced Viktor Durasovic in Great Britain’s tie with Norway in Davis Cup qualifying and won 6-2, 6-2.
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After putting his country in the lead with the straight-sets victory, Draper gave his immediate reaction on court.
Jack Draper said he is ‘proud’ of the performance in return
In his on-court interview, the Briton said: “It’s really good to play here in Oslo to have my first match in a long time to get a point on the board for Great Britain.
“I haven’t played Davis Cup in a long time, so it’s good to be out here and I’m proud of my performance today.”
When asked what he had been doing while injured in preparation for the comeback, Draper replied: “I guess just hard work.
“Hard work and perseverance. It’s been a really difficult time since I’ve been away from the sport, but I knew I had to keep on practicing my hardest and learning about myself.
“That’s the hard work that no one sees and then when I come back hopefully I’m able to play some top tennis again.”
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Jack Draper says it’s a ‘special feeling’ to be back in Oslo
Draper continued: “I mean, it’s nice to come back to Oslo. I love Oslo. I remember playing here when I was, I think, 11 or 12 years old or something like this.
“It’s very cold but it’s a special feeling to be back here, and yeah, I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
After Draper’s second-round exit at Wimbledon last year, he announced he would miss the majority of the North American hard-court swing.
He attempted a comeback at the US Open, but was forced to withdraw from the tournament after the first round, citing the ongoing arm injury.
Draper skipped the Australian swing to start the season, but is now back in action ahead of the Indian Wells Open, where he is the reigning champion.
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