Draper takes British revenge in Stuttgart

Jack Draper evened the score for Britain on Wednesday as he knocked out the American who beat Andy Murray a day earlier at the Stuttgart Open.

Draper defeated Marcos Giron 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in two hours to take revenge for the ouster of former finalist Murray.

The winner next lines up against defending Stuttgart champion Frances Tiafoe, who booked his quarter-final place on the German grass 7-5, 7-6 (5) over local hope Yannick Hanfmann.

Tiafoe needed  nearly two hours to advance, saving all 11 break points he faced.

Draper needed the distance at the Australian Open to defeat Giron, with his record in the series now a perfect 2-0.

The Brit broke early in the third set and held the margin for victory on a second match point to reach his third career quarter-final on grass.

“I came out really strong in the third set after a blip in the second,” Draper said. “I’m happy how I came through the match.

“He is a good player – he beat Murray. I knew he had a high level and would bring that to the court.

“But I stayed with him, stayed focused and positive. Things can happen quickly on these courts.”