Jack Draper questions early let call after Eastbourne semi-final defeat to Ugo Humbert
Jack Draper insisted an early disputed let call had no bearing on his Lexus Eastbourne Open semi-final defeat to Ugo Humbert – but admitted he was left confused by the decision.
The former world number four saw his impressive run at Devonshire Park come to an end, with a 7-5 6-3 semi-final defeat to the Frenchman on Friday (June 26).
One talking point came in Humbert’s opening service game when, at 30-30, play was stopped after the chair umpire called a let. This was apparently due to noise from a speaker.
Draper requested a video review before the point was replayed, arguing that his opponent had already hit the ball before the noise could be heard.
Asked about the incident afterwards, Draper questioned the timing of the umpire's call.
"I don't know," he told Sussex World.
"It felt like he'd hit the ball and the umpire called a let.
"I don't know if it was on the replay or not. I presume they'd have a Hawkeye system if it was the ATP, but maybe that's just in the Masters 1000s."
Draper explained why he believed the point should perhaps not have been replayed.
"I was questioning whether he'd hit the ball and then he'd call a let, because if he'd hit the ball and then he'd call a let, then the ball went promptly in the net, so it didn't have an effect on him."
However, the 24-year-old was keen to stress the incident was not responsible for the result, instead crediting Humbert for producing a high-quality performance.
"It didn't really matter to the outcome of the match," Draper added.
Earlier in his press conference, Draper admitted he was frustrated with the defeat but praised Humbert for taking his opportunities.
“[I feel] frustrated,” he said. “It was obviously a difficult match.
"He played really high level. He played the pressure moments better than I did. I'm giving him credit for that.
"He was really seeing the ball well.
"I just couldn't make it happen when it mattered. It was a frustrating day for sure."
Despite missing out on a place in the Eastbourne final, Draper believes the week represented an encouraging return after injury.
"Massively positive," he said.
"A couple of weeks ago I didn't know where I was.
"To be here, to be in Eastbourne, to have made the strides that I've made and to actually be playing some really good tennis and make a semi-final of a Tour event straight away – it's not easy.
"I think I'm really proud of that."
Draper now switches his focus to Wimbledon, where he will take on American Taylor Fritz in the opening round.