The Wimbledon second-round match looks like the tie of the day, the British No 1 and one of the favourites for the title up against former US Open champion and SW19 finalist Marin Cilic.
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But that was not enough to convince tournament director Jamie Baker and the rest of the rather opaque “Order of Play Committee”, which we believe includes Tim Henman, that he deserved a place on Centre Court.
The 23-year-old is too gracious to complain too much himself, although it is notable that just a few days before the tournament, he was talking up making Centre his own.
“I think it’s going to be a privilege to play as the British No 1.
“That’s what I’ve always wanted. I’ve wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment. And I think I’m looking forward to hopefully starting that.”
Order of play
Centre Court
Evans vs Djokovic Swiatek vs McNally Sinner vs VukicNo 1 Court
Andreeva vs Bronzetti Sakkari vs Rybakina Draper vs cilicThere is of course a commercial consideration. No 1 Court tickets remain expensive, ranging from £85 to £110 a head, with no concessionary rates.
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”I guess the crowd have got me versus Novak, which is one British player out there. So does there need to be two? I think it’s nice for Court One.”
Organisers have even fudged the No 1 Court schedule, which usually alternates men’s and women’s matches, to get the Brit into primetime; Mirra Andreeva, Lucia Bronzetti, Maria Sakkari and Elena Rybakina will play in back-to-back WTA matches before the main event on No 1 Court.
With Murray gone, Britain needs a new figurehead in the men’s game. Draper is more than ready to be that man. He just needs the All England Club to let him.
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