British number one Jack Draper fought back from a set down – and feeling “a little bit underprepared” after eight months out with injury – to get his Indian Wells title defence off to a winning start.
An early break of serve in the decider gave the 24-year-old a crucial advantage that he pressed home to overcome Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2 and move into the third round.
Having only returned to the ATP Tour last week following the lay-off caused by bone bruising in his left serving arm, Draper – who had a bye in the first round – was wayward early on before hitting back at the beginning of the second set.
The world number 14 took that momentum into the third, building a 5-2 lead.
A determined Bautista Agut looked set to pull a game back to love against serve, but Draper was not to be denied and rallied impressively to save three break points and take victory.
Speaking on court to Sky Sports, he said it was “good to be back somewhere I have great memories”.
But he added: “At the same time I was a little bit underprepared because of the amount of tennis I have missed.
“I was coming out today against a really formidable opponent. The first set was a bit edgy, but then I have managed to find a little bit of spark.”
