With the sun setting past teatime on a baking Wimbledon day, and the shade gradually emerging across the court, Britain’s top singles player entered the arena in a primetime slot. Burberry models and social media influencers posed and pouted courtside, eager to show off their prized viewing spot. Only 23 years young, Jack Draper had better get used to this.
Yet as first rounds at Wimbledon go, this was as comfortable as they come. Frankly, Draper could play on this stage for another decade and won’t have an easier match at the All England Club. While world No 4 Alexander Zverev crashed out 200 metres south of the grounds on Centre Court – the 12th men’s seed to be eliminated in the first round here – Draper’s mission against Sebastian Baez on Court 1 was simple: total destruction.
