Draper’s only two losses this year have come against Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open fourth round – where he had to retire with injury – and the Qatar Open final against Andrey Rublev.
He adapted well against Brooksby – an unorthodox player with a variety of shots to trouble most opponents.
Draper was broken in his first service game of the match, with Brooksby targeting his backhand, but he adapted well to the American’s tempo.
After missing a break-back point at 4-2 on Brooksby’s serve, Draper tossed his racquet away in frustration – but that seemed to refocus him and he took his next break opportunity to force the set back on serve.
A smash at the net allowed Draper to break and serve for the first set, which he wrapped up with an ace.
He kept the pressure on in the second, breaking early before serving out victory in one hour and 42 minutes.
Spain’s Alcaraz continues his title defence later on Monday, with Alex de Minaur and Ben Shelton also in action.
