Jack Draper “work hard” to be in shape for the Davis Cup as the British number 1 recovers from an injury sustained in US Open.
Draper reached the semi-finals of a grand slam for the first time in New York, but had to battle illness in his loss to future champion Jannik Sinner.
The 22-year-old was appointed part of Leon Smith’s Great Britain team for Davis Cup matches against Finland, Argentina and Canada this week as he looks to lead his team to November’s final.
“After a short delay following the US Open, Jack will join the team in Manchester on Tuesday ahead of the first match on Wednesday,” a Draper spokesperson said.
“Jack and his team are working hard to get fit and Leon (Smith) will take that into account when he makes his team selection.”
Team GB will have strong home support in Manchester as they begin their Group D efforts against Finland on Wednesday, before taking on Argentina on Friday and Canada on Sunday. The top two nations will qualify for the Davis Cup final in Malaga.
Henry Patten, who won the men’s doubles at Wimbledon with Finland’s Harri Heliovaara, replaced Joe Salisbury in Smith’s team with Billy Harris, Dan Evans and Neal Skupski also part of the quintet.
Draper’s run to the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows was the best performance of his young career, even if it ended in disappointing fashion. amidst the struggles against disease in court against Sinner.
“I’m definitely a pretty anxious person,” Draper later explained.
“I think when you add it all up, I sometimes feel a little nauseous on the court, and I feel a little sick when it gets tough.
“I didn’t have any problems before the game, but it’s obvious that it’s built up. Jannik plays at a very high level all the time. I had chances here and there and I didn’t take them.
“I obviously didn’t feel at my best and struggled at certain moments in the match, but Jannik beat me fair and square.”
