Jack Draper has stormed into the quarter-finals of the Japan Open in his first individual tournament since the US Open.
Draper has found it hard to reflect on his US Open run, where he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
The Briton enjoyed his lengthiest Grand Slam journey earlier this month, but suffered Davis Cup disappointment with Great Britain shortly after.
Draper and teammate Dan Evans were among the stars who failed to shine on home soil, with Great Britain unable to reach the Davis Cup Final 8.
But the former has shaken off that misery in fine fashion, with impressive back-to-back straight set wins at the Japan Open.
Jack Draper makes Hubert Hurkacz claim after beating him at the Japan Open
The first arrived against Italian Mattia Bellucci in the round of 32, before Draper beat second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the round of 16.
As quoted by Sky Sports, the British number one shared his verdict on his latest win, with Draper saying: “I was pleased with a lot of things today. I thought my attitude was really good.
“I got myself out of some tough situations and played the pretty big points on my terms, and that’s something that I’ve wanted to do.
“I know Hubert, I know when he gets time on the ball, he’s so dangerous, probably the best server in the world right now.
“So, I’m really happy with my composure, the way I approached the game, and hopefully I can carry this momentum forwards.”
Jack Draper eyeing strong Asian swing at China Open and Shanghai Masters
Draper will be well aware of his need to quickly bounce back from his Davis Cup disappointment, and he is certainly going about that the right way.
After beating Bellucci 6-4, 6-2, he claimed the only two breaks of serve against Hurkacz, denying his opponent all three of his chances to break.
The world number 20 will take part in the Shanghai Masters in China following his Japan Open adventure, with Draper eyeing a ‘good Asia swing’.
Success is certainly on the cards in the latter, although the Briton could face tough challenges in that quest.
Holger Rune and Tommy Paul remain in the competition, along with Japan Open defending champion Ben Shelton.
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