Jack Draper got off to a winning start at the Madrid Open on Saturday, leaving giant killer Tallon Griekspoor rattled as he sealed a 6-3 6-4 victory. The Dutchman was heard complaining about Draper’s game style to his box, and the world No. 6 had his say after booking his spot in round three.
The Brit had not played a match since going out in the round of 16 at the Monte-Carlo Masters earlier this month, and has since enjoyed a brief training block with banned world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
But it was business as usual when he returned to the clay courts at the Caja Magica as the No. 5 seed. Draper needed just an hour and 15 minutes to book his spot in round three while Griekspoor struggled to impose himself, chuntering away and throwing his racket.
The British No. 1 remained laser-focused, unaware of what was happening on the other side of the net, but he was informed of Griekspoor’s comments after the match and joked about getting in his head.
“I heard Tallon Griekspoor talking to his team, and he was saying you’re not really playing clay court tennis, you’re playing so fast. That’s a compliment to you, isn’t it? Were you playing clay-court tennis, do you feel?” Sky Sports pundit Karthi Gnanasegaram asked.
“I don’t know, you know. I know that I’m not going to be as effective as I want to be if I’m defensive,” Draper replied.
“If someone is getting me on the run on these courts, it’s not easy for anyone. So I just tried to play aggressive. Using my serve-volley, trying to look for my forehand. I mean, if it’s getting in his head then fair play!”
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