Jack Draper’s Eastbourne run ends in semi-final at the hands of Ugo Humbert as Briton prepares for Wimbledon tie | Tennis News
Jack Draper’s tough Wimbledon performance was followed by a disappointing Lexus Eastbourne Open semi-final exit at the hands of Ugo Humbert.
The 24-year-old found out on Friday morning that he will face 7th seed Taylor Fritz in the first round at the All England Club after a serious injury kept him out of action.
He was then denied a place in the final at Devonshire Park as he lost 7-5 6-3 to number six Humbert in one hour and 42 minutes.
“It’s the best present I can have today. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes,” Humbert said after the Eastbourne crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him following his win.
“It’s good to see Jack back on the court. The quality was very good and I was lucky in the second set. [four] cross points to save. I’m very happy to be in the final.”
Although the defeat dashed Draper’s hopes of securing a first ATP title on home soil, he can take confidence from a promising week on grass following an injury-hindered year.
The former world No. 4 was looking to reach the final for the first time since losing to Casper Ruud at the Madrid Open last year – an event that marked the start of an ongoing problem with his racket arm.
He had a chance to take a 30-0 lead when Humbert served in the opening game but neither player found success until the Frenchman converted his fourth point to win the first set.
After straight wins over Marcos Giron, Jack Pinington Jones and Gabriel Diallo, Draper was facing the prospect of coming from behind for the first time in the tournament.
He saw four break points come and go in a tight third game of the second set and then completely failed to hold on in the sixth game en route to his first defeat since joining new coach Andy Murray.
World number 30 Humbert will play Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in Saturday’s final.
Bergs, ranked 48th in the world, had earlier snuffed out hopes of an All England final in East Sussex by battling past loser Toby Samuel 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.
Despite his defeat in the semi-finals, Samuel can reflect on his success in his home country.
The 23-year-old, who had never won a tour-level match before this week, has climbed 19 places to No. 123 in the rankings thanks to his run.
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