Rinderknech Eliminates Draper in ATP Comeback at Dubai Championships
Arthur Rinderknech defeated Jack Draper in a hard-fought three-set match at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday. This contest marked Draper’s return to the ATP Tour after an extended absence due to injury, which last saw him compete at the 2022 US Open.
Draper showcased resilience during the nearly two-and-a-half-hour match but ultimately fell short, with Rinderknech winning 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4. Draper’s previous match in the tournament on Monday ended in victory, yet he was unable to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Despite the loss, Draper noted that competing in a drawn-out match after months of rehabilitation from “bone bruising” in his left arm provided a measure of reassurance. Throughout the encounter, Draper struggled to capitalize on Rinderknech’s serve. The French player delivered an impressive 71% of first serves, winning 84% of points on those serves and limiting Draper to just two break points, neither of which he converted.
The 24-year-old British player displayed tenacity, especially in the second set where he saved three break points before clinching it in a tiebreak. However, in the deciding set, Rinderknech broke serve early, which allowed him to maintain control and ultimately secure the match.
With this victory, Rinderknech advances to face fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals, amidst a competitive field that also includes players like Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and Jakub Mensik.
Looking ahead, Draper’s focus will now shift to upcoming Masters 1000 tournaments in the United States, starting with the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, followed by the Miami Open.
Jones Knocked Out in Austin
In related news, Fran Jones faced an early exit at the ATX Open in Austin. Peyton Stearns came back from a set down to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory against Jones.
Jones began strong, winning seven consecutive games after dropping the first three to take the opening set. However, her performance declined as Stearns broke her serve in six of the last seven service games, leading to Jones’s defeat. This match marked Jones’s first competitive play since withdrawing from her opening match at the Australian Open due to a leg injury.
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Published on 2026-02-25 22:13:00 • By Editorial Desk • Category:
