Tearful Draper's Montreal Comeback Ends in Defeat
Jack Draper's return to competitive tennis in Montreal ended in tears as he lost to Frenchman Atmane, casting doubt on his participation in upcoming tournaments.
British tennis player Jack Draper made his return to court in Montreal, but his comeback match ended in emotional distress. Draper started nervously, notably without the compression sleeve that supported him in recent appearances. Early in the match, he delighted the crowd with an unlikely winner against a tricky serve from his opponent, Atmane, smiling as he leveled to deuce. However, Atmane secured the opening set 6-3, with Draper unable to break the Frenchman's serve.
Draper's form improved dramatically in the second set. The current world number four, a ranking he achieved last June, displayed the attacking tennis that characterized his 2025 season. A powerful cross-court forehand drew applause from the Montreal audience as he powered through the set 6-2. He appeared poised for a comeback victory.
The third set told a different story. A visibly diminished Draper surrendered the opening game despite leading 40-15. In the fourth game, he showed frustration, missing a break point opportunity with a tired forehand into the net. When broken again to fall behind 4-1, Draper sat down during a change of ends and was overcome with emotion, wiping tears from his eyes. Atmane went on to serve out the match, setting up a second-round clash with Karen Khachanov of Russia.
The loss raises concerns about Draper's fitness and mental state. He holds a wildcard for the Cincinnati Open beginning next week, and his participation there, as well as at the US Open starting August 23, is now uncertain.
In another match, British number five Jacob Fearnley defeated France's Adrian Mannarino 7-6, 6-4, advancing to face Czech player Jakub Mensik in the second round.
