Again on residence turf following his exploits in New York, Draper has been the centre of consideration in Manchester – even with out taking part in.
Now, after being the discuss of the city and receiving ovations when he has been launched to the gang earlier than the ties, the 22-year-old British primary has the prospect to make an necessary impression on the courtroom.
Draper should beat Cerundolo, a clay-court specialist who’s ranked thirty first on the planet, to maintain Britain’s hopes of clinching their spot on Friday with two victories from two alive.
Evans, 34, is probably the most skilled participant in a British squad which has a contemporary look following the retirement of Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie’s absence with an arm damage.
On the day the place he surpassed Mike Sangster to go second within the British all-time record of Davis Cup ties performed, Evans was left to rue not with the ability to convert his early possibilities towards Etcheverry.
A gruelling fourth recreation, the place Evans continued to patiently probe with the backhand slice, noticed Etcheverry desperately hanging on as Evans created 4 break factors.
Surviving all of them proved pivotal within the match.
Sensing a freedom to assault within the fifth recreation, Etcheverry rapidly broke to take the wind out of Evans’ sails and rattled off the ultimate three video games for the opening set.
It has been a troublesome yr for Evans, who has dropped out of the world’s 150, and his confidence dipped dramatically.
Little will get one of the best out of Evans just like the Davis Cup, nevertheless, and he confirmed trademark tenacity to reset within the second set.
Rediscovering his serve helped because the pair traded holds, however the frustration and fragility reappeared as he crucially misplaced serve within the eleventh recreation.
Extra resistance got here as Evans fought off 5 match factors – and created three break factors – earlier than a relieved Etcheverry ultimately served out victory.