Jack Draper eases past second seed Hubert Hurkacz to reach Japan Open quarter-finals

Jack Draper eased past second seed Hubert Hurkacz to reach the quarter-finals of the Japan Open and leave himself as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The British number one, playing his first tournament since his run to the semi-finals of the US Open earlier this month, beat the world number eight 6-4 6-4 in Tokyo to make it through to the quarter-finals.

It was his third win against a top 10 player this year, having earlier beaten Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur.

Next up is on paper a winnable last-eight tie against Brandon Nakashima or Ugo Humbert and Draper will have eyes on a second ATP Tour title of the year. Top seed Taylor Fritz was knocked out in the opening round.

The 22-year-old, who lost both his Davis Cup matches against Canada earlier this month, was strong from the off, forcing break point in the opening game, only for Hurkacz to serve himself out of trouble.

But Draper got the break midway through the first set which proved enough for him to go in front and he did the same in the second, while saving all three break points he faced, as the Briton enjoyed a straight-sets win.

There was similar success for fellow British number one Katie Boulter, who is through to the third round of the China Open.

The 26th seed beat Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-4 to secure safe progression, and Boulter will face either Coco Gauff or Clara Burel next.

Additional reporting from PA Sport.