By Abi Curran

New British number one Jack Draper is licking his lips at the prospect of facing superstar Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the LTA’s cinch Championships.

Fresh from his first ATP title in Stuttgart last week, Draper wasted no time in thrilling the home crowds with a straight sets win against Argentina’s Mariano Navone at The Queen’s Club.

The Sutton star prevailed 6-3 6-2 on centre court and will now turn his attention to the defending champion, who is fresh from winning his third Grand Slam at the French Open.

Draper already has two career wins against top-10 players and is unfazed at taking on the Spanish ace.

“It's probably one of the biggest tests in tennis right now,” the 22-year-old said.

“He has a huge pedigree. He's obviously won here last year, won at Wimbledon. He's setting records all over the place. He's an incredibly good, young player.

“I think it will be a really exciting matchup. I have played him a couple times already. I know what to expect. He's incredibly explosive and just an incredible player all around.

“So, it's going to be a great challenge. I can't wait to get on court with Carlos. I think it will just be a really, really good match with some really good tennis, and hopefully we can compete really hard and put on a good show.”

Draper is hoping it’s third time lucky against Alcaraz. They have met on two occasions previously, and the Spaniard has won both – though their first match, in Basel two years ago, went to a final set.

If he plays like he did on Tuesday, Draper has every right to be confident. He was on court for less than an hour, with his serve too hot for Navone to handle.

The left-hander cracked six aces and, perhaps more impressively, conceded only four points on his own serve.

He also earned nine break points, winning four of them, and toasted a job very well done.

“It was good to get out there,” he added.

“It was obviously a challenge playing less than 48 hours ago in the final in Germany and then to come back here.

“But in all honesty, I felt incredibly calm, I felt really good, I felt confident about my game. I have been practicing well again.”

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