- Draper earned a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over American Jenson Brooksby
- The British No1 admitted he is still adapting back to the grass after clay
- A deep run at Queen’s could help Draper earn a top four seeding at Wimbledon
Jack Draper began his Queen’s campaign in impressive fashion by earning a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over American Jenson Brooksby.
The British No1 broke Brooksby’s serve in the seventh game of the match to take control on the Andy Murray Arena.
Draper sealed the opening set with another break, before racing through the second in sweltering conditions.
After sealing a straight sets victory, the No2 seed wrote on the camera ‘Good to be home’, before addressing the home fans.
‘Feels amazing, no place I’d rather be,’ Draper said on court.
‘We travel the world playing tennis, never get to come home or spend much time with my family but to be on this court in front of you guys, my people, my family, thank you.
Jack Draper began his Queen’s campaign with a straight sets victory over Jenson Brooksby
Draper admitted he was still adapting to the grass after the clay season despite a 6-3, 6-1 win
Draper will face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday as he bids for a quarter-final place
‘It’s tricky coming onto the grass after clay, to adapt, I’m hitting the ball a bit late not on time.
‘The more matches and time I have on practice courts I’ll get better and better and it’s definitely a surface I really enjoy playing on and obviously a win helped as well.
‘I’m excited to see how I can get on this week, I feel excited I feel ready and I want to do my best.’
Draper will now face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the last-16 on Wednesday.
The British No1 is in a tight race with American star Taylor Fritz to secure a top four seeding at Wimbledon, potentially easing his path through the draw.
A strong run at Queen’s would help Draper’s cause, with Fritz also in the draw.
