"It felt great because of such good memories here from last year but, at the same time, difficult because I am probably underprepared for this tournament compared to how I would like it to be. I started a little slow, but then fought back hard and found some really good level towards the end. I can only go in one direction from here."
"Having only returned last week following the lay-off caused by bone bruising in his left serving arm, Draper - who had a bye in the first round - was wayward early on before hitting back at the beginning of the second set. He built a 5-2 lead in the third and saved three break points in the final game."
Jack Draper, British number one, returned to competition after eight months away due to bone bruising in his left serving arm to defend his Indian Wells title. Despite feeling underprepared, Draper fought back from losing the first set to defeat Spanish opponent Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2. An early break in the third set proved decisive as Draper built momentum, ultimately winning comfortably. Cameron Norrie also advanced to the third round with a 6-2 6-3 victory over American Mackenzie McDonald. Draper acknowledged mixed emotions about his performance, noting slow early play but strong recovery. With significant ranking points to defend, an early exit could have dropped him outside the top 30.
Read at www.bbc.com
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