Jack Draper Returns with Emphatic Victory as Britain Takes Davis Cup Lead
In a commanding display of skill and resilience, Jack Draper made a triumphant return to competitive tennis, leading Great Britain to a 2-0 advantage in their Davis Cup first-round qualifier against Norway on Thursday in Oslo. Draper, playing his first match since suffering a bruised bone injury in the summer, delivered a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory over Norwegian world number 313 Viktor Durasovic.
Draper's Breakthrough Season and Comeback Journey
The 24-year-old British star, now ranked 13th globally, enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough in 2025, clinching his first Masters titles at Indian Wells and ascending into the top four before his injury sidelined him. Reflecting on his challenging hiatus, Draper emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-discovery during his recovery. "It's been a really difficult time since I've been away from the sport. I knew I had to keep on practising my hardest and learn about myself," he told the BBC. "It's really good to play here in Oslo, to have my first match in a long time, to get a first point on the board for Great Britain."
Norrie Secures Second Win Amidst Norwegian Absences
Adding to Britain's strong position, Cameron Norrie, ranked 26th worldwide, secured a solid 6-4, 6-4 win against Norway's 19-year-old Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, who stepped in as the highest-ranked singles player after top seed Casper Ruud withdrew. Ruud, the world number 12, pulled out of the tie following the birth of his first child last week, leaving Norway with a reshuffled lineup.
The tie is set to conclude on Friday with the following key matches:
- Jack Draper facing Nicolai Budkov Kjaer
- Cameron Norrie taking on Viktor Durasovic
- A doubles match to round out the competition
Davis Cup Qualifiers and Global Matchups
The victors of this qualifier will advance to face either Australia or Ecuador for a coveted spot in November's eight-team Davis Cup Finals. Meanwhile, other notable ties are unfolding across the globe this week:
- Serbia and Chile clash in Santiago on Friday and Saturday, aiming to set up a tie with Spain.
- Qualifying second seeds Germany, missing world number three Alexander Zverev, host Peru.
- Nine-time winners France take on Slovakia in a tie starting Saturday.
- Belgium, surprise semi-finalists last year, play Bulgaria in Plovdiv.
This Davis Cup action highlights the intense competition and strategic shifts as nations vie for glory in one of tennis's most prestigious team events.
