Home favourite Jack Draper booked his place in the Eastbourne quarter-finals, with a straight-sets victory over fellow Brit Jack Pinnington-Jones (7-5, 6-4).

Draper, 24, was forced to work hard for the win and was broken while serving for the opening set at 5-4, having also failed to close out his previous-round match against Marcos Giron at the first attempt.

The former world number four appeared uncomfortable at times, briefly bending over between points, while a compression sleeve on his left arm attracted attention.

Another notable feature was the presence of coach Andy Murray, who was far more vocal with his encouragement than in Draper's previous match this week. Murray could frequently be heard urging his charge on, from the players' box, and his support appeared to help Draper navigate several difficult moments.

Home favourite Jack Draper booked his place in the Eastbourne quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over fellow Brit Jack Pinnington Jones, winning 7-5, 6-4 in an entertaining battle. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for LTA)

placeholder image — Home favourite Jack Draper booked his place in the Eastbourne quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over fellow Brit Jack Pinnington Jones, winning 7-5, 6-4 in an entertaining battle. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for LTA)

Draper recovered from a slip during one of the match's standout rallies and eventually sealed victory before sharing a warm embrace with his friend at the net.

Speaking afterwards, Draper was full of praise for Pinnington Jones, 23, whom he believes has a bright future ahead. The pair both hail from Surrey – Sutton and Kingston upon Thames respectively.

"Jack's a great friend," Draper said.

"He's a tough opponent and a good friend. He's still young, he came out of college recently and he's been building his way up the rankings. He's nearly in the top 100. He's going to be someone who I believe is going to be a top player. I think he showed that today.

Draper admitted his confidence had been at a low ebb before arriving on the south coast, after injury disrupted much of the past year. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for LTA)

"It was really tough to play against him. He's a great competitor also, so wishing him all the best.”

Addressing the crowd, he joked: “No hard feelings, I don’t know you were cheering [when chanting the name Jack].

"I look forward to coming out here tomorrow. I love Eastbourne, thank you guys.”

Draper admitted his confidence had been at a low ebb before arriving on the south coast, after injury disrupted much of the past year.

"My confidence levels were below the floor a couple of weeks ago," he said.

"I haven't played for a long time. I didn't play Queen's because I just wasn't ready.

"So to come here and to be on the ball and to be competing and playing at a high level very quickly, I'm very grateful."

Draper revealed his primary focus remains rebuilding his fitness, after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

"Of course, physical," he said when asked whether the mental or physical side of the game was currently more important.

"I've spent a long time off the court with injury. I was on a great trajectory last year, but my body stopped me in my tracks and I wasn't able to play. The last year has been really difficult.

"The mental side is really important, but right now it's just about coming out each day, being consistent with my practice, trying to get as many matches done as I'm able to, to get my confidence back to where I need to be and hopefully rise up the rankings once again."

Draper will return to action on Thursday, when he takes on Canada's Gabriel Diallo, for a place in the semi-finals.