Again on house turf following his exploits in New York, Draper had been the centre of consideration in Manchester – even earlier than taking part in.
The 22-year-old British primary was rested for the opening tie in opposition to Finland, with Evans and rookie Billy Harris justifying Smith’s determination with victories.
However, after being the speak of the city and receiving great receptions when launched to the group earlier than the ties, Draper had the prospect to make an essential impression on the courtroom in opposition to Argentina.
The left-hander had a brief turnaround – emotionally and bodily – after Friday’s semi-final defeat by world primary Jannik Sinner in New York.
Whereas understandably not at his finest, Draper had loads of possibilities to keep away from a straight-set defeat.
Unable to transform eight of 10 break factors was a telling – and undesirable – statistic for the Briton.
Cerundolo, a clay-court specialist who’s ranked thirty first on the earth, produced a formidable stage which not often dropped all through.
No marvel he described it as “the match of my life” afterwards.
Draper was recurrently punished by Cerundolo’s simple energy on the forehand wing, whereas the Argentine produced a magical drop-shot to create a break-back level which he took for 1-1 within the second set.
Nonetheless, Draper continued to create possibilities.
Not taking any of three break factors at 1-1, plus one other three at 4-4, proved essential as Cerundolo pounced at 6-5 to earn a uncommon hard-court victory for the South Individuals.
