Arthur Rinderknech defeated Jack Draper in three sets, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, February 25th, marking the end of Draper’s first ATP Tour event since returning from a left arm injury.
The Frenchman’s powerful serve proved decisive in the two-hour and 25-minute match, according to reports. Draper, ranked 15 to 16 places higher than Rinderknech in the world rankings, had previously overcome Quentin Halys in straight sets on Monday, signaling a positive start to his comeback.
Draper was wearing a compression sleeve on his left arm throughout the match, an indication of the ongoing management of the “complex ‘bone bruising’” that sidelined him for six months following the US Open. Despite the injury, Draper demonstrated moments of his signature power, including a 100mph forehand and has adapted his serving technique to reduce strain on the affected area, switching to a platform serve with a wider stance.
While Draper pushed Rinderknech to a deciding set, his lack of recent match play was evident, particularly in his returning game. Rinderknech himself acknowledged the challenge posed by Draper’s serve in the fast Dubai conditions, stating to Sky Sports, “It was a bit frustrating because he was serving really well in those fast conditions, so I had to handle these things and keep on working.”
Draper will now travel to Indian Wells to defend the biggest title of his career, having gained valuable court time in Dubai. The tournament in Indian Wells is scheduled to begin in March.
