CUP AND DOWN

GB suffer final-eight blow as Draper and Evans lose to Argentina

- ELEANOR CROOKS

JACK DRAPER was unable to find his US Open form as Britain crashed to defeat against Argentina in the Davis Cup.

A week after losing to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals in New York, Draper led his country for the first time but was beaten 7-6 7-5 by Francisco Cerundolo in Manchester.

Coupled with Dan Evans' 6-2 7-5 loss to Tomas Martin Etcheverry, it meant Argentina wrapped up victory ahead of the doubles rubber and dealt a huge blow to Britain's chances of reaching the final-eight event in Malaga in November.

Draper arrived in Manchester on Tuesday and was rested for the victory over Finland the following day, with Evans and debutant Billy Harris claiming singles wins.