LONDON — Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain, Leon Smith, has received a significant boost ahead of the crucial 2024 qualifying tie against Norway, with the news that British No. 3 Jack Draper is set to return from a long-term shoulder injury. The 22-year-old left-hander, who has played just one singles match since July due to a persistent shoulder problem, is expected to be named in Smith’s squad for the World Group I play-off in Oslo on February 3-4.
A Crucial Return for Team GB
Draper’s potential inclusion provides a major lift for a British team aiming to navigate a path back to the Davis Cup Finals. His absence, alongside that of the retired Andy Murray, was keenly felt in September’s Finals group stage in Manchester, where the team fell just short of qualification for the knockout rounds. Draper’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, tailor-made for indoor hard courts, offer a potent weapon against a Norwegian side spearheaded by world No. 8 Casper Ruud. "Having Jack back would be huge for us," Smith said in a recent interview.
Navigating a Frustrating Injury Setback
Draper’s 2023 season was brutally curtailed just as he appeared to be hitting his stride. After reaching the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters in March and pushing eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz to three sets, he captured his first ATP Challenger Tour title on grass in Surbiton. However, the physical toll of his explosive style became apparent. He retired from his first-round match at Wimbledon with a shoulder issue, a injury that would plague him for the remainder of the year. His sole competitive outing since was a first-round loss at the US Open, after which he shut down his season to fully rehabilitate.
The rehabilitation process has been meticulous. Draper has been working extensively with his team at the National Tennis Centre, focusing on strengthening the shoulder and modifying aspects of his training load to prevent recurrence. "It’s been a really tough period, mentally more than anything," Draper admitted in a social media update in December.
The Road to Recovery: Key Steps
Draper’s path back to full fitness has involved several critical phases:
- Complete Rest & Diagnostics: Initial period of rest followed by detailed medical imaging to assess the extent of the shoulder impingement.
- Targeted Physiotherapy: A daily regimen of mobility exercises and strength work focused on the rotator cuff and scapular muscles.
- Gradual Reintroduction: Slowly rebuilding service volume and groundstroke intensity on court, with close monitoring for any pain.
Strategic Implications for the Tie
The inclusion of Draper would give Captain Smith valuable flexibility and firepower. While Cameron Norrie is the established British No. 1, Draper’s game presents a different, high-risk, high-reward challenge for opponents. His lefty serve out wide on the ad-court is a particular asset in doubles, potentially pairing him with the experienced Joe Salisbury. Furthermore, Draper boasts a winning record against top-10 opposition, having defeated then-world No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2022. "On his day, Jack can beat anyone in the world," Smith has frequently stated.
The Norwegian threat, however, is singular and formidable. Casper Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, will be the overwhelming favourite in his two singles rubbers on his preferred clay surface, even indoors. Therefore, the tie will likely be decided on the other three points: the second singles match and the doubles. This is where Draper’s potential contribution becomes absolutely critical. His ability to win his non-Ruud singles match and bolster the doubles lineup could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Broader British Landscape
Draper’s return also carries significance beyond the Davis Cup. He is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in British tennis, with the raw tools to climb into the world’s top 20. A successful return in the high-pressure, team environment of the Davis Cup could provide the perfect springboard for his 2024 ATP Tour campaign. His progress is being watched closely, not just by British fans, but by a tennis community that recognises his unique talent. The upcoming tie offers a stage to announce his comeback in emphatic fashion.
The remainder of Smith’s squad is expected to feature Cam Norrie, Dan Evans, and doubles specialists Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury. This blend of experience and firepower makes Britain favourites on paper against Norway, whose team beyond Ruud includes world No. 345 Viktor Durasovic and 18-year-old prospect Nicolai Budkov Kjaer. However, the pressure of an away tie and the unique format of the Davis Cup always present challenges. "We respect Norway immensely, especially with Casper playing at home," Smith cautioned.
A Statement of Intent
For Jack Draper personally, the call-up represents a vote of confidence from the captaincy and a chance to immediately reintegrate into top-level competition. It is a testament to the work done behind the scenes that he is in contention so early in the season. His selection would signal that both player and management believe he is ready to compete at the highest level once more. A strong performance in Oslo would not only propel Great Britain towards the 2024 Finals but also lay to rest any lingering doubts about his physical readiness.
The tennis world will be watching closely when the official squad is announced. Draper’s journey back from this frustrating injury has been a test of patience and resilience. The Davis Cup, with its patriotic fervour and team camaraderie, could provide the ideal catalyst for the next chapter of his promising career. As the British team prepares to travel to Scandinavia, the potential return of their powerful young left-hander adds a compelling layer of optimism and tactical intrigue to their quest for Davis Cup glory.