By Tony Fairbairn
- Tommy Paul [14] def Jack Draper 6-2 3-6 6-3 7-5
- Jack Draper has set a target of being seeded for this year’s Wimbledon after he lost in four sets to Tommy Paul.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Jack Draper has set being seeded for Wimbledon as his next target as he exited the Australian Open with a four set defeat to Tommy Paul.
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A valiant effort from Jack Draper over two matches but the Brit’s Australian Open journey has ended in the second round.
The four set defeat to Tommy Paul was a resilient and determined performance from the Brit, who recovered from throwing up at the end of his match against Marcos Giron.
Although the opening set saw Paul cruise past Draper, the world number 55 responded in fine fashion as he broke in the fourth game of the second set, levelling the match at one set all.
After losing the third set, Draper battled hard to force a deciding set and even had three set points in the tenth game.
However Draper was unable to convert his opportunities and ultimately was broken in the next game with Paul serving the match out.
Despite the defeat, Draper’s ability to play a long four set match after a gruelling five set opening round match shows how far the Brit has come in terms of his conditioning.
In his post-match interview Draper admitted that it’s a big positive that his conditioning held up as much as it did.
“I’m proud of the way I am physically,” Draper told the Daily Mail after his narrow defeat.
“That’s one big positive I can take. I feel like I could have played four, five more sets. I feel good.”
As mentioned Draper’s conditioning has often criticised in the past but the Brit has responded positively to that criticism by continuing to work on it in the off-season.
However Draper has struggled with the conditions in Melbourne and admitted that after the match as well as saying that Paul deserved the victory.
“I haven’t really got used to conditions this week at all,” Draper explained to the Daily Mail.
“I have been struggling to find my level. He (Paul) was the better player. He deserved to win.”
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Draper sets Wimbledon seeding target
It’s been a very positive start to the season for the 22 year-old having reached the final in Adelaide before playing two physical matches at the Australian Open.
Having started the year at 62 in the world, Draper is projected to enter the world’s top 50 after the Australian Open as things stand which would be a tremendous achievement for the Brit.
However there are more ranking points for Draper to pick up having missed a good portion of the season last year due to a shoulder injury.
One tournament Draper did miss last season was Wimbledon and now the Brit has set himself a target of being seeded for his home Grand Slam.
“I’m ready to keep going. I’m very motivated to keep getting better,” Draper told the Daily Mail.
“Hopefully by the grass season, if I keep my form up and if I stay fit, then I’ll be seeded for Wimbledon. That’s my goal now.”
Before Draper can think about Wimbledon, he will look to gain steady progress in the short-term.
The next tournament for Draper will be in Montpellier which starts on the 29th of January.
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