Jack Draper’s Dubai Comeback Ends with Rinderknech Defeat in Grueling Battle
Jack Draper’s long-awaited return to the ATP Tour recently concluded with a fierce battle against Arthur Rinderknech at the Dubai Tennis Championships. This match marked Draper’s first competitive appearance since the 2022 US Open due to prolonged injury issues.
Match Summary: Draper vs. Rinderknech
The match took place over almost two and a half hours. Rinderknech triumphed with a score of 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4. Despite the defeat, Draper’s performance provided some encouragement, especially considering his recovery from bone bruising in his left arm.
Key Match Statistics
- Match Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
- First Serve Percentage (Rinderknech): 71%
- Points Won on First Serve: 84%
- Break Points (Draper): 2 (none converted)
Draper managed to keep the contest competitive, particularly in the second set. He saved three break points and won the set in a tiebreak. However, Rinderknech broke Draper early in the final set and maintained his lead to secure victory.
Looking Ahead for Draper
Following this match, Rinderknech is set to face fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Draper’s next steps remain uncertain as he prepares for upcoming ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is expected to be his next target, followed by the Miami Open.
Additional News: Fran Jones Exits ATX Open
In other news, British player Fran Jones faced an early exit at the ATX Open in Austin. She was defeated by Peyton Stearns, who rallied back after losing the first set. The final score was 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
This marked Jones’ first match since her emotional departure from the Australian Open due to a leg injury. As athletes like Draper and Jones work through their comebacks, they remain focused on future tournaments and recovery.
