\n<\/p>\n
This time, though, Draper made it on to court, appearing initially nervous – but without the compression sleeve that supported him through recent appearances. <\/p>\n
He was smiling by the third game, when he read a tricky Atmane serve well and pulled off an unlikely winner to delight the crowd and level the score to deuce.<\/p>\n
Having failed to break Atmane as the Frenchman won the first set 6-3, Draper began to show glimpses of the glittering 2025 form which earned his number four ranking last June.<\/p>\n
In the second set, the Montreal crowd whooped as Draper executed a powerful cross-court forehand on course to a dominant 6-2 set win. <\/p>\n
He looked primed for a comeback victory but a different, depleted Draper returned for the third set, surrendering the opening game having led 40-15. <\/p>\n
The 2024 US Open semi-finalist appeared frustrated in the fourth game when he passed up a gift of a break point, firing a tired forehand into the net.<\/p>\n
After he was broken for 4-1 in the next, Draper sat down during a change of ends and was overcome with emotion, wiping tears from his eyes. <\/p>\n
Atmane served out to claim the match and will face Russian Karen Khachanov in the second round.<\/p>\n
Draper has a wildcard entry to the Cincinnati Open, which starts next week, but the incident puts his involvement in doubt, and that of the US Open which begins on 23 August.<\/p>\n