The 22-year-old carried his fiery form from the Boss Open where he won his maiden ATP title straight onto British soil, as the newly crowned British No.1 closed out the win in just 54 minutes on his first appearance at the tournament since 2022.

The Queen’s Club has proven a happy hunting ground for the world No.31 in the past, having clocked wins against some of the world’s best players including Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik since making his debut in 2021.

"The last week has been incredible – winning my first title means the world to me and my team have been working so hard towards that" Draper said in his on-court interview.

"It’s an amazing feeling to be back here after two years. I was injured last year and couldn’t play so I’m unbelievably happy to be here and thank you (to the crowd) for the support.

"I never really thought of it (British No.1). Those guys who were ahead of me, they’ve done an unbelievable job – Andy (Murray) played before me – and it’s amazing to go after them. I’m very honoured and privileged to be in this position and I’m going to keep pushing to have great results."

It took Draper just 27 minutes to secure a one set lead on his return to the tournament where he's previously made the quarter-finals. The big-serving lefty dominated his service games, landing 72% of his first serves and dropping just three points behind it across the match to take the upper hand.

Into the second and Draper looked to wrap up proceeding before the sun went down, as he sprinted to a double break lead - extending his winning streak on the grass to six matches.

In progressing to the second round, he now sets up a blockbuster second round match-up against reigning cinch Championships and Wimbledon winner Alcaraz who earlier bypassed Francisco Cerundolo, 6-1, 7-5.

"We all know how good Carlos (Alcaraz) is" Draper added. "It’s a great match to test where I’m at and I can’t wait for that. I know it’s going to be a great atmosphere and I can’t wait to get competing against Carlos."

Speaking on facing Draper, the world No.2 Alcaraz said, “I think a lefty player is going to be difficult here on grass. I know he's playing great tennis coming here and he won last week (in Stuttgart).

"I think his game suits grass very well with his big serve. I think he moves well, he’s hitting good shots, so it's going to be a good challenge for me being my second match this year on grass.”

With Draper in red-hot form and brimming with confidence, he could be set to pose a tough challenge for the recently crowned Roland Garros champion. The pair have previously met on two occasions with Alcaraz having one both of those encounters. They're set to face off on Thursday, with this marking their first meeting on the grass.