After a prolonged five-month break due to a significant bone bruise in his left arm, Jack Draper has made a triumphant return to the tennis circuit, helping Great Britain secure an early advantage in their 2026 Davis Cup campaign. This match marked Draper’s first appearance in the prestigious competition in quite some time, and he expressed his pride in stepping back onto the international stage.
Competing against Norway in Oslo, Team GB took a commanding 2-0 lead by the end of the first day’s play. Draper kicked off the action by facing Viktor Durasovic and emerged victorious in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, after just 59 minutes on court. Displaying his power and swift movement, Draper proved too strong for Durasovic, who is ranked 300 positions lower.
“It felt really good to be back in Oslo and to play my first match after a long time,” Draper stated in his on-court interview. “Getting that first point for Great Britain is significant for me. I’m proud of how I performed today.”
In a follow-up interview with the BBC, Draper reflected on his recent injury struggles, acknowledging the challenges he faced. “Tennis can become a bubble where it seems like the only thing that matters. But during my time off, I tried to prepare myself mentally and physically to come back strong.” He conveyed confidence in his recovery, reassuring fans that he would not have returned unless he felt ready to compete at a high level again. “I’m on the right track, and being here is a win for me,” he said.
The British No. 1, who currently holds the 13th spot in the ATP rankings, showed minimal signs of rust, losing only 10 points on his serve and delivering eight aces throughout the match. Durasovic managed to take him to deuce only once, at 5-2 in the second set, before Draper regained control.
Draper acknowledged the mental toll of his extended break, admitting he encountered “many dark moments” while recuperating from an injury that struck during a peak in his career. He was cautious about the arm’s condition during play. “I have to be mindful of my arm’s progress. My team and I are confident that I can start building my way back on tour,” he stated.
Following Draper’s decisive match, Cameron Norrie took to the court to maintain Britain’s momentum against Norway, securing a 6-4, 6-4 win over the talented young player Nicolai Budkov Kjaer. Norrie’s match lasted one hour and 23 minutes, and he had to rally back from a 4-1 deficit in the second set to clinch victory against the 19-year-old junior Wimbledon champion.
“It was a fantastic start for Jack,” Norrie remarked. “Coming back after such an injury, especially as the favorite, is no easy feat. He played with composure and enjoyed the moment, which instilled a lot of confidence in me for my match.”
Looking ahead, Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash will have the opportunity to secure the tie for Great Britain in the upcoming doubles match. If they succeed, they will advance to face either Australia or Ecuador for a place in the eight-team Finals scheduled for November.
