Draper in hurry to copy Murray after fast start

JACK Draper began his bid to emulate Andy Murray at Queen's Club by winning his first match on the court named after the five-time champion.

- By ANDY SIMS

The British number one, seeded second at this year’s HSBC Championships, is attempting to become only the second home men’s singles winner in the Open era after Murray.

Draper got his grass-court season off to a solid start on the Andy Murray Arena with a 6-3 6-1 win over American Jenson Brooksby, before poking fun at his mentor, who retired last year.

“Can't get rid of this guy,” he joked. “Andy is an unbelievable guy, someone I'm very inspired by and I wouldn't be where I am without him.

“I definitely miss him on the Tour. Thank you Andy, this court deserves to be named after you.”

Draper narrowly avoided injuring himself when he chased down an overhead into the advertising hoardings on his first set point, but he dispatched the second with a clubbing forehand.