The post-victory celebration may have been reserved – a solemn countenance that only briefly broke into a half-smile – but Draper will be happy about his return to the ATP Tour, make no mistake.
An absence of almost six months has undoubtedly been difficult for Draper to cope with.
Withdrawing from the Australian Open in January showed the severity of the bruised humerus on his dominant left arm – the bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow – and the need to avoid any risk.
This also applies to the decision to withdraw from the ATP tournament in Rotterdam earlier this month.
Some saw that move, after he made his comeback with a routine Davis Cup victory, as a red flag.
For Draper, though, it was all about playing the long game with an injury-riddled career.
But there was no stopping Halys anymore. A pair of skinning forehands in the first two points of the match set the tone, followed by a thumping ace at the start of an opening service game in which he found his range with four of the five opening serves.
Draper wore a protective compression sleeve on the affected arm, but he continued to play freely and fluidly from the baseline.
It has been clear for some time that there is no simple solution to an injury of this nature.
In general, the fear that a bruised humerus is the problem can lead to a more serious stress fracture with persistent recurrence and torsion stress – which tennis players clearly experience.
Patience has become a virtue that Draper has had to learn – and while this was an impressive achievement, he may need more of it in the weeks and months to come.
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