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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.<\/b><\/p>\n
Fellow Briton Sonay Kartal was also victorious in the women’s singles as she battled past 20th seed Emma Navarro having earlier faced match point.<\/p>\n
For Draper, an early break of serve in his third set 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The world number 14 took that momentum into the third, building a 5-2 lead.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Speaking on court to Sky Sports, he said it was “good to be back somewhere I have great memories”.<\/p>\n
But he added: “At the same time I was a little bit underprepared because of the amount of tennis I have missed.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n