Jack Draper survives ‘mentally tough’ test at Italian Open days after heartbreaking loss

Jack Draper admitted it was “mentally tough” to come back out and face Luciano Darderi and the Italian crowd just days after suffering a heartbreaking defeat in the Madrid Open final. The Brit finished runner-up at the Caja Magica, losing to Casper Ruud on Sunday and admitting his opponent played better in the important moments.

Draper, who is now ranked at a career-high of No.5 in the world, briefly flew home before heading to Rome for the Italian Open, where he came through his opening match 6-1 6-4. The 23-year-old raced through the opening set in 25 minutes before Darderi raised his level and it became a “dogfight”.

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