LONDON — British number one Jack Draper made a confident start to his Wimbledon campaign as his opponent, clay-court specialist Sebastian Baez, retired due to injury during their first-round match on Court 18. The 22-year-old left-hander was leading 6-1, 6-3, 2-0 when the Argentine called it quits, handing Draper a straightforward passage into the second round.
A Dominant Start for Draper
Draper, who has been in fine form this season with his first ATP title in Stuttgart last month, wasted no time asserting his dominance. He broke Baez’s serve twice in the opening set, showcasing his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive net play. The Argentine, ranked 19th in the world but far less comfortable on grass, struggled to cope with Draper’s pace and precision.
"I felt really good out there," Draper said in his post-match interview. "It’s always tough when your opponent retires, but I thought I played some solid tennis and adjusted well to the conditions. The grass suits my game, and I’m just happy to get through."
Baez’s Struggles and Early Exit
Baez, known for his prowess on clay, looked out of sorts from the outset. The 23-year-old, who has won four ATP titles—all on clay—appeared to be struggling with a leg injury early in the second set. Despite receiving medical treatment, he was unable to continue, retiring after just 67 minutes of play.
Key factors in Draper’s dominance included:
- Superior serve placement, winning 85% of first-serve points
- Relentless aggression on Baez’s second serve
- Effective use of his slice to disrupt Baez’s rhythm
Injury Concerns for Baez
Baez later confirmed he had been dealing with a lingering issue. "I felt some pain in my leg during the warm-up, but I wanted to give it a try. Unfortunately, it got worse, and I couldn’t continue," he explained. The Argentine’s early exit marks another disappointing grass-court campaign, having never won a main-draw match at Wimbledon.
Draper’s Growing Confidence
For Draper, the victory extends his strong recent form. After battling injuries in 2023, he has risen to a career-high ranking of 28th and is now the highest-ranked British male player. His powerful left-handed game, featuring a booming serve and heavy forehand, makes him a dangerous opponent on grass.
"I’ve put in a lot of work over the last year, both physically and mentally," Draper said. "It’s great to see the results paying off. Wimbledon is special, and I want to make the most of it this year."
Looking Ahead
Draper will face either Sweden’s Elias Ymer or Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round. With a favorable draw, the British hope will be eyeing a deep run at SW19. His next opponent will need to be wary of his strengths:
- A serve that regularly tops 130 mph
- A lethal two-handed backhand down the line
- Improved movement and fitness after a rigorous preseason
Conclusion
While the circumstances of his victory were unfortunate, Draper’s performance was a statement of intent. As the new British number one, he carries the hopes of a nation eager for a homegrown champion. With his blend of power and finesse, Draper has the tools to make a significant impact at this year’s Championships.
"I’m just taking it one match at a time," Draper added. "But I believe in my game, and I know what I’m capable of. It’s about staying focused and playing with freedom." If he maintains this level, Draper could be one of the stories of the tournament.