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Jack Draper's Eastbourne Semi-Final Run Boosts Injury Comeback

BBC Sport •
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Jack Draper advanced to the Eastbourne Open semi-finals as he continues building momentum following his injury layoff, declaring increased confidence in his physical condition. The British player's progression in the ATP 250 event signals his return to competitive form ahead of Wimbledon. Draper's latest victory extends his winning streak since coming back to tour action.

Joining Draper in the last four is 23-year-old Toby Samuel, who secured the biggest win of his career by defeating 45th-ranked Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 6-4. Samuel, currently world number 142, has enjoyed a remarkable rise having been ranked outside the top 1000 just twelve months ago. His triumph over Cerundolo - who famously upset world number one Jannik Sinner at the French Open - marked Samuel's first ATP tour victory and sets up a semi-final clash with Belgian Zizou Bergs.

A victory over Bergs would see Samuel become only the second lucky loser to reach the Eastbourne men's singles final, potentially propelling him into the world's top 100. Meanwhile, second seed Madison Keys and third seed Jelena Ostapenko both advanced in the women's draw with straight-set victories. Keys defeated compatriot Mc Cartney Kessler 6-3 6-1, while Ostapenko overwhelmed Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez 6-3 6-0.

These performances provide important momentum heading into the grass-court season, with Draper's fitness concerns addressed and Samuel emerging as a promising talent. The semi-final matchups promise competitive tennis as both British players seek to capitalize on their strong form.