Back on home turf following his exploits in New York, Draper had been the centre of attention in Manchester – even before playing.
The 22-year-old British number one was rested for the opening tie against Finland, with Evans and rookie Billy Harris justifying Smith’s decision with victories.
But, after being the talk of the town and receiving wonderful receptions when introduced to the crowd before the ties, Draper had the chance to make an important impact on the court against Argentina.
The left-hander had a short turnaround – emotionally and physically – after Friday’s semi-final defeat by world number one Jannik Sinner in New York.
While understandably not at his best, Draper said he “felt good” and had plenty of chances to avoid a straight-set defeat.
Unable to convert eight of 10 break points was a telling – and unwanted – statistic for the Briton.
Cerundolo, a clay-court specialist who is ranked 31st in the world, produced an impressive level which rarely dropped throughout.
No wonder he described it as “the match of my life” afterwards.
Draper was regularly punished by Cerundolo’s easy power on the forehand wing, while the Argentine produced a magical drop-shot to create a break-back point which he took for 1-1 in the second set.
Still, Draper continued to create chances.
Not taking any of three break points at 1-1, plus another three at 4-4, proved crucial as Cerundolo pounced at 6-5 to earn a rare hard-court victory for the South Americans.
“I felt like I played pretty well,” said Draper.
“A lot of the time you play someone and they’re playing high level, you think you’ll get your chances, their level will drop, but his didn’t today.
“Fair play to him, he beat me fair and square.”
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