I gave myself another chance - battling Draper

RUSTY Jack Draper battled through to the second round at the US Open on his return from injury.

- ELEANOR CROOKS PA Sport Correspondent, New York

‘The world number five was playing his first match since a shock loss to Marin Cilic at Wimbledon more than seven weeks ago, after which he was diagnosed with bone bruising in his left arm and forced to take time away from the court.

He eventually came through in four sets against 203rd-ranked Argentinian qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez, wrapping up a 6-4 7-5 6-7 (7) 6-2 victory after one minute over three hours.

“It was a tough match,” said Draper, who admitted he feared he would be forced to miss the tournament where 12 months ago he reached the semifinals.

“Obviously haven’t played competitively singles-wise for a while now. Credit to him. I thought he played some good stuff at times.

“From my side, it wasn’t obviously my finest performance. But at the same time there was some problem-solving out there, there was some different things, some really good stuff and some very average stuff.

“But give myself another chance on Thursday. Just really proud of the fact that I’m here and that I’m able to come through today.