Adelaide International 2024: Jack Draper wins against Sebastian Baez as Katie Boulter loses
Jack Draper showcased an impressive performance with a straight-set victory over Sebastian Baez at the Adelaide International, gearing up for the Australian Open. The 22-year-old defeated the 26th-ranked Baez 6-1, 6-3, solidifying his preparations for the upcoming Grand Slam event.
On the other hand, British number one Katie Boulter faced a setback as she suffered a 6-3, 6-4 defeat against Romania's Anna Bogdan in the women's event. The Australian Open qualifying matches, initially scheduled to begin on Monday, were hampered by rain, delaying the start of the tournament.
The Australian Open, marking the commencement of the Grand Slam calendar, is set to kick off in Melbourne on January 14. Jack Draper, currently ranked 62nd in the world, is poised to join other British players, including Jodie Burrage, Emma Raducanu, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Andy Murray in the main draw in Melbourne.
After an exceptional 2022 season that saw Draper achieve a career-high ranking 22 times, he faced challenges in the previous year due to a shoulder injury. However, Draper, participating in his first match of the year, appeared fit and in control against Sebastian Baez, closing out the opening set with five consecutive wins and securing the second set with a double break of serve after one hour and 18 minutes.
Reflecting on his performance, Draper expressed satisfaction, stating, «I'm very happy with my performance today. It's not easy coming out for the first match of the year. I feel really confident, really happy with my body and my game. I just want to carry on playing injury-free.» His next challenge will be against Miomir Kecmanovic or Mackenzie McDonald in the second
