Leon Smith has not dismissed the possibility of Jack Draper making a quick comeback in Great Britain’s Davis Cup opener against Finland on Wednesday. The 22-year-old was scheduled to arrive at Manchester’s AO Arena on Tuesday, just four days after his loss to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the US Open.
Draper faced significant physical challenges during the match, struggling with anxiety and the humid conditions that led to him being unwell on the court. However, British captain Smith has reported that the British No. 1 is in good spirits, with a decision on his participation expected to be made after practice.
“Until we get on the court and start doing some stuff, it’s quite hard to tell how he feels,” Smith commented. “It’s just a question of figuring out where he is at with his energy and how much tennis he can play over the course of the week. But, if he’s good to go, he’s good to go. If he’s not, I’ve got every confidence in the team we have.”
Great Britain will compete against Finland, Argentina, and Canada over the next five days in Group D of the preliminary round of the Davis Cup Finals. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals in Malaga in November.
Draper’s presence is vital for the home nation, especially in the absence of the retired Andy Murray and with Cameron Norrie sidelined due to a forearm injury. “We are absolutely thrilled that he’s coming,” Smith remarked about Draper, who made his Davis Cup debut at the same venue last year.
Smith highlighted Draper’s passion for the Davis Cup, expressing confidence in his contributions to the team for years to come. “He absolutely loves it, and his commitment by coming here just shows that,” Smith noted.
Draper will team up with veteran Dan Evans, doubles specialist Neal Skupski, and newcomers Billy Harris and Henry Patten. Harris has made an impressive journey, having previously spent part of his career living out of a converted transit van, while Patten has earned his place following a surprising Wimbledon title in men’s doubles.
Great Britain is favored to defeat Finland, but they face stiff competition from Argentina and a formidable Canadian duo, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Last year, Britain achieved a thrilling victory against France, which solidified their reputation in the competition.
As the Davis Cup competition progresses, Smith remains optimistic about his team’s chances. “I think it’s a really even group, and something always happens. That’s what the Davis Cup is about—players taking their chances,” he stated.
While Draper’s immediate future in the tournament is uncertain, the ATP Tour will resume shortly, featuring events in China and Japan. The Chengdu Open and Hangzhou Open, alongside key tournaments in Beijing and Tokyo, promise exciting matches as Draper attempts to enhance his successful hard court performance from this year.
Stay tuned for more updates on ECNETNews as the tennis season unfolds and Great Britain battles in the Davis Cup.
