Jack Draper made a winning return to tennis in Norway.
The British star hadn’t won a match since the first round of the US Open, last August.
Returning to action after a lengthy injury layoff at the Davis Cup, Draper defeated Viktor Durasovic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
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His teammate, Cameron Norrie, then beat Nicolai Budkov Kjaer to give Great Britain a commanding 2-0 lead.
But how did Draper’s body hold up in his first match back from injury?
Speaking to Sky Sports after his win over Durasovic, Draper shared an interesting injury update.
Jack Draper admits he feels some discomfort but insists that’s natural
“Bone stress is a difficult injury to explain to people who don’t understand it,” he said.
“Basically, the bone has to keep on regenerating and getting stronger.
“The more I compete, the more I play at 100%, it’s going to get used to that load over time.
“It’s natural to feel some sensations, some discomfort over a period of time.
“That’s what it’s been like for many other players who have had the same injury, but you just have to keep on adjusting, being sensible with the injury.
“But I wouldn’t be out here, competing if it wasn’t something that I feel confident that I can stay on court with.”
He went on to explain how his latest injury may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
“To be honest, I’ve always been really professional, I believe. But this injury has taught me a lot about nutrition, looking after my body the right way,” said Draper.
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“Maybe for the rest of my career it’s a bit of a blessing because you have to really look after your body 110%, and maybe that’s going to help me in the long run.
“Like I said, I’ve learned many things about this injury.”
Aside from the injury talk, Draper was pleased with his performance, dropping just four games in a comfortable victory.
“Proud of my performance today, I thought from the very first ball I was sharp,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to improve a lot off the match court, it’s not easy to come back for the first match and play as I did, and I’m really proud of that performance, so hopefully something to build off and keep on taking each day as it comes.”
He was then asked if he’d missed the feeling of hitting winners, having made 12 in his 58-minute win.
Jack Draper vs Viktor Durasovic – Match stats
| Player | Jack Draper | Viktor Durasovic |
| Aces | 8 | 2 |
| Double faults | 1 | 3 |
| 1st Serve % | 60% | 65% |
| 2nd Serve % | 94% | 82% |
| Break points | 4/4 | 0/0 |
| Forehand winners | 8 | 6 |
| Backhand winners | 4 | 1 |
| Total points won | 58 | 34 |
| Forced errors | 13 | 15 |
| Unforced errors | 11 | 20 |
“Definitely, you can’t replicate that in practice, hearing the noise of the crowd,” said Draper.
“When I compete, it’s such an adrenaline buzz, that’s something I enjoy every time I compete, so happy to be back.”
Draper also admitted he felt relieved to be back on the court after six months on the sidelines.
“Yeah, it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to play 100% and be back on the court and feel like I’m not doing damage to an injury or something like this,” he said.
“It is a relief to be back on court, but I’ve earned the right to be back now.
“And I’m lucky I’ve got great people around me who have guided me and helped me through this tough period, and I look forward to staying on court and building some momentum.”
Draper has certainly made a positive start on his return to tennis at the Davis Cup, but when will he return to ATP Tour action?
Jack Draper will play the Rotterdam Open
The British number one has signed up to play next week’s Rotterdam Open.
He will compete as the number-five seed in a strong field that includes three-time Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev.
Top eight seeds at the 2026 Rotterdam Open
- [1] Alexander Zverev
- [2] Alex de Minaur
- [3] Felix Auger-Aliassime
- [4] Alexander Bublik
- [5] Jack Draper
- [6] Cameron Norrie
- [7] Tomas Machac
- [8] Tallon Griekspoor
Draper has never before played the Rotterdam Open, so it’s tough to predict how well he will perform on debut.
Only time will tell what Draper can do in the Netherlands, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The 2026 Rotterdam Open begins on Monday, February 9.
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