Jack Draper credited new coach Sir Andy Murray with inspiring him to an “ugly” win on his latest injury comeback.
Three-time grand-slam winner Murray watched from a court-side box on Monday as Draper beat American lucky loser Marcos Giron 6-4 7-6 (5) in the first round of the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
The former world number four has been plagued by chronic arm and knee issues during the past year but felt no ill effects during a solid display on a sweltering afternoon at Devonshire Park.
Having played competitively for the first time since retiring from the Barcelona Open on April 13, he will continue his Wimbledon preparations on Wednesday with a last-16 clash against fellow Briton Jack Pinnington Jones.
Speaking on court following victory in an hour and 26 minutes, Draper said of Murray: “I haven’t called him ‘Sir’ yet – that’s not going to happen!
“Andy, truthfully, is one of my biggest inspirations. When I was younger, I remember him playing all the big events and being there to watch him.
“As I came on to the tour, we spent some time together and I think we have a great relationship off the court but also what he brings to me in terms of the tennis as well.
“He believes in my game, he believes in me as a person, and that’s what I really need right now coming back from the year I’ve had.
“I’m very grateful to Andy that he’s chosen to help me and wants to help. I suppose today was a performance a bit like what he used to: winning ugly.”
Draper directly approached two-time Wimbledon winner Murray for guidance during the grass-court season, having plummeted down the world rankings amid his persistent fitness issues.
“It’s comforting to have him there,” added Draper. “I didn’t feel any kind of added nerves or anything.
“If anything, it’s a real boost, it’s a real confidence feeling to have him there. It feels very natural.
“I’m not someone who looks to my coaching box loads. I’m not someone who needs loads of information, it was just a couple of bits here and there that were really helpful from Andy – it’s just little things.”
Former US Open semi-finalist Draper had played only 10 matches since last year’s Wimbledon before taking on 32-year-old Giron.
The Californian world number 86 was a late replacement for injured compatriot Brandon Nakashima.
Asked how his arm and knee felt, Draper, who is currently ranked 160th, said: “Good, stable. There was a long period of time where I’m not at full power.
“I feel like I’m back at full power. So I’ve come on massively and I gain a lot of confidence from where I’m at right now.”
British number six Pinnington Jones, 23, came from a set down to defeat Argentinian Marco Trungelliti 5-7 6-3 7-5 in the opening match on Centre Court.
Qualifier Jan Choinski became the third British man to progress following a 1-6 6-2 6-2 win over Australian Alexei Popyrin.
In the women’s draw, 17-year-old Hannah Klugman was beaten 7-5 5-7 7-5 by 19-year-old Czech Tereza Valentova, while Fran Jones lost 6-2 6-2 to 2021 Eastbourne champion Jelena Ostapenko.