Jack Draper believes his game is on an upward trajectory going into Wimbledon after narrowly missing out on a first ATP Tour final at the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne.

The 20-year-old Sutton star, who is on the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme – the highest level of support for players aged 16-24 – lost 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 6-3 Maxime Cressy.

But despite his superb run coming to an end against the big-serving American, Draper took plenty of encouragement from the progress he has seen in his game over the past month. 

“He’s a very, very good player and it’s tough to get any rhythm against him, he’s just serve and volleying the whole time so you don’t get in many rallies,” said Draper.

“When you do hit a groundstroke, it seems like a bit of a shock. It was a tough match and one break was all that was in it, two maybe loose points and the set is done in the third.

“Definitely a lot I can take away from it for sure. I was coming here a better player from Queen’s, after I played Ruusuvuori there were some things I took on board ready for this week.

“I think I’ve done a better job again this week and hopefully for Wimbledon I can increase my level again as I get more used to the grass and I feel confident going into next week.”

Ranked 108 in the world after debuting in the top 100 earlier this month, Draper survived four break points in the opening set before eventually losing out in a tie-break.

Draper responded by dominating the second set tie-break to level the match before Cressy, who had already seen off Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans, eventually edged the deciding set 6-3.

“I’ve got a game that can get me out of trouble at times, I would also say that for him as well,” said Draper. “The last couple of games I was 15-40, love-40 and that’s the good thing about having a big serve.

“You can get out of trouble but I think my game is good and I just have to keep on improving my serve so I don’t get broken like that in the third set.

“He’s got a really awkward game. On his serve he wasn’t hitting many rallies from the baseline whereas there were some in mine where I would hit a serve and he’d block a return and we’d get into a bit of a trade but it was pretty rare for that to happen.

“I thought he executed the way he played unbelievably well. I don’t think he missed many volleys when I hit them at him and he served incredibly well as well, hats off to him. He’s obviously a great player and he’s going to have a great career.”

Draper’s run at the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne means he will return to the top 100 ahead of his Wimbledon opener against Zizou Bergs next week - and the British No.4 is relishing the challenge posed by the Belgian wildcard at SW19.

“I played Zizou in the final of a Challenger earlier this year and he’s someone who can play incredible tennis. I believe he won at Ilkley a couple of weeks ago so he’s playing well,” he said.

“He’s a fiery player and it’s going to be a really tough match.”

On the home support, he added: “It’s a massive privilege to be able to come to these tournaments like Surbiton, Queen’s and this week and have that support. It’s been incredible. 

“There’s been so many people come to watch and support us Brits and I love it - it’s a real privilege to have that kind of support and I’m really looking forward to Wimbledon.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA Website.