Jack Draper battles to final in Qatar after months out

In Doha, Qatar, Jack Draper made a remarkable return to professional tennis by reaching the final of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. This tournament marked his first competitive appearance in a month after struggling with a hip injury. Draper showcased his resilience throughout the event, winning four matches in just five days, which included a tense semi-final against Jiri Lehecka, where he staged a comeback to ultimately triumph with a score of 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3. The sources reveal that the match was not without its challenges, as Draper lost the first set and needed to utilize every ounce of composure to equalize in the second. His physicality and determination shone through, especially in the third set, where he quickly secured breaks to secure his victory. Throughout this eventful week, Draper has demonstrated a noteworthy ability to compete at a high level despite being newly recovered from his injury, gaining crucial match experience. His successful run in the tournament emphasizes his growth as a player and highlights the impact of mental resilience and physical preparation in the face of daunting odds. Prior to this, Draper had not played since retiring during the Australian Open due to the hip issue, making his accomplishment even more impressive. Looking ahead, Draper is set to face fifth-seed Andrey Rublev in the final, a match that promises to be an exciting test against a player he has yet to defeat in their previous encounters. Rublev has a strong track record, having secured victory in all three of his prior meetings with Draper, and earned his place in the final with a hard-fought win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. The final match, taking place on a Saturday at 3 PM UK time, represents not just a potential title for Draper, but also a valuable opportunity to affirm his comeback trajectory in professional tennis. The story behind Draper's journey is not just about athletic talent; it involves overcoming personal setbacks and challenges, pushing through the mental and physical hurdles that accompany injuries. Having gained significant confidence from his Australian Open matches despite their outcomes, he approached the Qatar Open with renewed vigor and a better understanding of his game. He has expressed thoughts on the importance of fitness and tactical execution, describing how he felt more prepared upon returning to the court, which played a vital role in his performance this week.