Emotional Jack Draper reacts to Grand Slam milestone after US Open win

Jack Draper declared his pride after reaching the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time on the same US Open court where he limped out last year.

The British No.5 suffered a hamstring strain in the Grandstand arena 12 months while locked in a battle with Russian Karen Khachanov.

The injury-dogged left-hander has since suffered a shoulder tendon tear which ruled him out of the French Open and Wimbledon.

But Draper showed he can become a big noise in the game by silencing the boisterous home crowd in the 8,000-seat court to beat American wildcard Michael Mmoh 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-3 in just over three hours.

He then turned to his entourage and stretched out his arms in celebration. “I am incredibly proud of myself,” said Draper, 21. “It has been a tough year. That is what the celebration was for.

“Last year was really difficult. I was in the third round against Khachanov on this court and I injured myself so I didn’t want that to happen again. That is why I am so proud of myself. It was quite a long match and to come through after a tough year for me, I am very happy.

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“I am a little bit sore. It has been a long match. To win my first four-set match in a Grand Slam is really positive for me. Hopefully I can carry on. I didn’t think I played that well but it is important to win when you are not playing your best.

“What a place to reach my first Grand Slam fourth round. There is amazing energy here in New York. So many people come out and watch the tennis. I appreciate the support and I look forward to playing the fourth round.”

Starting at 11am local time on another hot New York day, Draper took the first set with a forehand winner after 48 minutes. He showed his frustration by tossing his racket in the second set but was still on course for a straight set win after sealing the second set with an ace.

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But Mmoh got the crowd going by taking the third set as Draper tossed his racquet to the court in frustration. But Draper dug deep in the fourth by taking his second break point to lead 4-2 when Mmoh sailed a backhand long – and he closed out the match with a backhand volley.

“It was a tough match. Michael is an incredible player. I know it would be a real challenge today. I was proud of the way I came through. It was tough conditions at times.”

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