Jack hopes to feel love on his New York return

TENNIS Jack Draper is hoping more love from the New York crowd can help him replicate his brilliant breakthrough run at the US Open.

- By ELEANOR CROOKS, PA

The 23-year-old announced himself on the world stage at Flushing Meadows 12 months ago with a run to the semifinals and returns as the world number five and a bona fide title challenger.

The buildup has not been what he would have wanted, with bone bruising in his left arm diagnosed after Wimbledon keeping him out for more than seven weeks.

He has not played a competitive singles match since losing to Marin Cilic in the second round at Wimbledon, after which the Londoner admitted he does not yet feel at home on grass - something that is not the case thousands of miles across the Atlantic.

He told the PA news agency: “I love New York. It’s probably one of my favourite events. I love the crowd interaction, love the courts, I feel really at home here, I just feel great about my tennis.