Draper denied place in Eastbourne final by Humbert

Draper denied place in Eastbourne final by HumbertTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Draper beaten by Humbert in Eastbourne semi-finals - best shotsByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalistPublished11 minutes agoJack Draper missed out on a place in the Eastbourne final as Ugo Humbert ended the Briton's encouraging return to competition following injury.Draper, 24, had earned three consecutive straight-set wins to reach the semi-finals at his first tournament in more than two months, after he sustained a knee injury at the Barcelona Open in April.The former world number four gained more valuable time on court before turning his attention to Wimbledon, but he lost 7-5 6-3 after 100 minutes in sapping conditions against the 30th-ranked Humbert.Draper, who has fallen to 160th in the world amid his injury struggles, learned on Friday that he will meet American sixth seed Taylor Fritz in a tough opening assignment at Wimbledon, which begins on Monday.He and his coaching team, which now includes two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray, will be pleased with the progress he has shown this week as he seeks a gradual return to his former level.In the 18 months prior to his challenging year dealing with injuries to arm, knee and shoulder, Draper reached the US Open semi-finals and won his first ATP 1000 title at Indian Wells.Speaking about Draper after his victory, Humbert said: "It's nice to see Jack back on the court. He was really impressive and I think I was a bit lucky in the second set."The Frenchman, who was celebrating his 28th birthday, added: "It was the best gift I could have today. Tonight I will recover and be ready for tomorrow, so no big party."Williams given favourable Wimbledon start - who else plays who?Published9 hours agoRaducanu misses Wimbledon practice amid injury concernPublished1 day agoHumbert will face Zizou Bergs in Saturday's men's final, af...