Jack Draper likens ‘fiery’ personality to Andy Murray after quarter-final win

Jack Draper claimed his fiery temperament is similar to Andy Murray’s after battling past fellow Briton Ryan Peniston to reach the semi-finals of Eastbourne.

The 20-year-old became the last British player standing at the Rothesay International courtesy of a gutsy 6-3 6-3 success over his countryman.

His powerful performance at Devonshire Park was underpinned by aggression and fight.

Yet he repeatedly expressed agitation and chastised himself following mistakes, drawing comparisons with the demonstrative on-court behaviour of three-time grand slam-winner Murray.

“It’s tough; I’ve never been someone who’s incredibly calm and composed and like ice on a tennis court,” said Draper, who will face France-born American Maxime Cressy in the last four.

“That’s the unique thing about tennis: everyone has a different mentality. Mine’s a bit more fiery and therefore it’s tough to be calm the whole time.

“If I was calm the whole time, I probably wouldn’t get the best out of myself because that’s just not who I am.

I’ve never been someone who’s incredibly calm and composed and like ice on a tennis court.- Jack Draper

“Andy’s got a similar personality, I guess.

“He’s someone who loves competing, wants to win the whole time, and sometimes that brings out a little bit of anger here and there.

“If he was someone who never got pumped up or emotional then maybe he wouldn’t have had the success and career he has had, it’s definitely a balancing act.”

In a first tour-level meeting between the left-handed wildcards, tournament debutant Draper dropped the opening two games but claimed six of the next seven to clinch the opening set.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with the world number 108 overturning a 3-1 deficit by winning five