Thursday , 5 June 2025
Home International Sports Draper unable to inspire Britain in Davis Cup defeat
International SportsTennis

Draper unable to inspire Britain in Davis Cup defeat

Jack Draper had previously never gone beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam

Jack Draper could not inspire Great Britain to a Davis Cup comeback win over Argentina as his first match since reaching the US Open semi-finals ended in defeat.

The British number one was given an electrifying ovation in Manchester but the mood flattened as he went on to lose 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 against Francisco Cerundolo.

Draper’s defeat means the host nation missed the chance to reach the Davis Cup Finals knockout stage at the earliest opportunity.

British team-mate Dan Evans was beaten 6-2 7-5 by Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first singles match earlier on Friday.

Evans later teamed up with Neal Skupski to claim a consolation 6-3 7-5 win in the doubles against Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, leaving Argentina as 2-1 winners overall in the tie.

Leon Smith’s squad, who beat Finland on Wednesday, would have progressed with two wins from their opening two ties.

Instead, they are likely to need to beat Canada on Sunday in what could be a nerve-shredding contest.

Britain’s defeat means Group D has been blown wide open and, with Argentina playing Finland on Saturday, any of the four nations could still finish in the top two.

Only two teams from the Manchester group will progress to the ‘Final Eight’ event which takes place between 19-24 November in Malaga.

 

Related Articles

Qatar Airways named Official Airline Partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Award-winning carrier follows series of recent commercial announcements ahead of the FIFA...

UFC to return to Paris for fight night on 6 September

The UFC has confirmed it will host a Fight Night event at...

Manchester City agree €55m deal for AC Milan midfielder Reijnders

Manchester City have reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign Netherlands...

Alcaraz powers past Paul to reach French Open semi-finals

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass at Roland Garros as he...