Jack Draper beats Sebastian Baez in straight sets at Adelaide International, Katie Boulter loses to Ana Bogdan
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Published 08/01/2024 at 10:01 GMT
It was a fine start to the season for Jack Draper, who claimed a comfortable straight-sets win over Sebastian Baez in Adelaide. He comfortably eased his way past the world No. 26 with some aggressive tennis in South Australia. He will now turn his attention to a second-round clash against Miomir Kecmanovic or Mackenzie McDonald. Meanwhile, Katie Boulter was beaten in straight sets by Ana Bogdan.
Highlights: Draper starts season with win over fifth seed Baez in Adelaide
Jack Draper claimed his first win of the season in impressive fashion as he eased to a 6-1 6-3 victory over fifth seed Sebastian Baez in the opening round of the Adelaide International.
The 22-year-old Brit needed only 33 minutes to take the first set, breaking the world No. 26 twice in the process.
Baez rallied somewhat in the second set, but still surrendered on his serve early on to keep the momentum with Draper.
Draper broke again to seal the victory, finishing with 17 winners and not facing a single break point.
“I was very happy with my performance today,” said Draper.
“It is not easy coming out in the first match of the year. I played here last year and am looking forward to going as far as I can this week.
“I feel really strong at the moment and really happy with my body and my game. Hopefully I can continue to play injury free.”
The world No. 62 will be looking to kick on in 2024 after reaching his first ATP Tour final in Sofia in November.
He became the youngest Brit to reach an ATP Tour final since Andy Murray managed to do so in Miami back in 2009.
Draper will now face either Miomir Kecmanovic or Mackenzie McDonald in the second round at the ATP 250 event in Adelaide.
Draper ended 2023 in fine style with an impressive victory over world No. 8 Holger Rune at the Ultimate Tennis Championship Grand Final last month.
He overcame the Dane 12-14, 15-12, 13-10, 19-7 and claimed the trophy after winning all five of his matches in London.
Draper will be hoping for a good run at the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday, January 14.
Draper's first appearance at the Grand Slam came in 2023 when he lost to Rafael Nadal in the opening round.
Meanwhile, there was disappointment for British No. 1 Katie Boulter in Adelaide after a 3-6 4-6 defeat to Ana Bogdan.
Boulter passed up several break point opportunities in the first set, and Bogdan crucially managed to utilise her chance in the eighth game to move 5-3 ahead, and subsequently served out the set successfully.
Boulter began the second set promisingly after taking a 2-0 lead, but Bogdan fought back and broke twice to take the second set 6-4.
Boulter has an automatic spot in the Australian Open main draw along with Jodie Burrage and Emma Raducanu.
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