Jack Draper was unable to ignite an inspired comeback over Argentina as Team GB fell to a 2-1 defeat in their second Davis Cup Finals group-stage clash.
The 22-year-old was beaten 7-6(4), 7-5 by world number 31 Francisco Cerundolo in his first competitive match since his dazzling run to the US Open semi-finals last week.
Draper was ruled out of GB’s opener on Wednesday but Billy Harris and Dan Evans stepped up to secure a vital win.
It is still possible for the Brits to advance to the Finals in Malaga, but they must beat an in-form Canada in what is expected to be another nail-biting contest.
What did Jack Draper say about the ATP Tour calendar?
So relentless is the sport of tennis that Jack Draper is back on the court within a week of finishing the US Open campaign that had him vomiting on the court in New York.
Draper reached his career-best grand slam result by reaching the last four at Flushing Meadows but has limited time to reflect on this achievement as he has duties representing his country in Manchester.
The 2024 Olympics has presented the ATP and WTA calendars with a particular challenge this year, and the players have not shied away from expressing their concerns.
Speaking after his loss to Cerundolo on Friday, Draper reflected on the demanding nature of the sport and what it means to be donning his country’s colours this week.
“There’s no doubt it’s a quick turnaround, I think a lot of people in my position would not have come this week,” Draper said via The Times. “But I love playing for my country.
“I felt, being British No 1 and in my position, it was the right decision to get myself here to be part of the team, and I gave it my all. I feel gutted about today, but it’s an important match on Sunday and I’ll be ready to go.
“It’s a mental calendar. Since Miami [in March], I just haven’t had any time. For the players who do well [in New York] it’s very difficult. It’s my opinion that it’s going to be very hard for players of my age to achieve longevity.
“The way the ATP has changed to two weeks with the Masters [tournaments], it’s giving us no time any more. There’s literally no break. It’s really mentally and physically challenging.”
Draper faces a big test on Sunday
Canada poses the biggest threat to Team GB’s hopes of qualifying for the Finals in Malaga in November.
Depending on the result of Finland’s clash with Argentina, Draper and co will have to comprehensively beat the Canadians on Sunday.
Team Canada, led by two former world number 10s Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime, have dropped just one rubber from the six they have contested and look like a strong contender to go deep in the tournament once again.
Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime made history in 2022 as they played a pivotal part in guiding Canada to their maiden Davis Cup title.
- READ MORE: Jack Draper explains what has been ‘hard’ for him to do since his run to the US Open semi-finals
Draper came unstuck by the physicality required to go toe-to-toe with world number one Jannik Sinner in the US Open semi-final, but he will have his work cut out once more on Sunday.
With added expectation, the British number one will face a huge test in Team GB’s bid to overturn to Canada and qualify for the Finals in November.
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