LONDON — British tennis star Jack Draper has opened up about his recent absence from the tour, addressing his decision to skip multiple tournaments and the unexpected loss of two doubles partners ahead of the US Open. The 22-year-old has not played a competitive match since his first-round exit at Wimbledon in July, raising concerns among fans about his fitness and form.
Draper, once ranked as high as No. 38 in the world, has struggled with injuries throughout his young career. His latest setback came after a grueling grass-court season, where he played through discomfort at Wimbledon before bowing out to Elias Ymer in four sets. "I needed time to recover both physically and mentally," Draper admitted in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph. "It’s been a tough year, but I’m determined to come back stronger."
A Forced Break and Missed Opportunities
Draper’s hiatus meant skipping key tournaments, including the North American hard-court swing leading up to the US Open. He was forced to withdraw from the ATP 500 event in Washington and the Masters 1000 in Toronto, where he had hoped to gain momentum before Flushing Meadows. "It’s frustrating because I love playing in the States, but my body just wasn’t ready," he said.
The left-hander also revealed that he had planned to compete in doubles at the US Open but lost two potential partners at the last minute. "It was a bit of a nightmare—first one guy pulled out, then another. It just wasn’t meant to be," Draper explained. The setbacks left him without a competitive warm-up before the final Grand Slam of the year.
The Road to Recovery
Despite the challenges, Draper remains optimistic about his comeback. He has been working closely with his team to address the physical issues that have plagued him, including recurring muscle strains and fatigue. His training regimen now includes:
- Increased recovery sessions with physiotherapists
- Modified strength and conditioning programs
- Mental resilience training with a sports psychologist
"I’ve learned the hard way that pushing through pain isn’t always the answer," Draper said. "This time, I’m taking a smarter approach."
Looking Ahead to 2024
With the 2023 season winding down, Draper has shifted his focus to next year. He plans to return to competition at the Australian Open, where he hopes to build on his breakthrough performance in 2022, when he reached the third round. "I’ve got big goals, and I know I can compete with the best when I’m healthy," he said.
British tennis fans will be eager to see Draper back in action, especially after his impressive run at Queen’s Club earlier this year, where he defeated top-10 player Carlos Alcaraz. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline game make him a formidable opponent when fully fit.
Support from the Tennis Community
Draper’s peers have rallied behind him during his recovery. Andy Murray, a longtime mentor, has been particularly vocal in his support. "Jack’s got so much talent, and he’s still young. The most important thing is that he takes the time he needs," Murray told The Guardian.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of patience. "Injuries are part of the sport, but Jack’s attitude is spot-on. He’ll come back stronger," Henman said.
Conclusion: A Comeback in the Making
While Draper’s recent absence has been disappointing, his determination to return at full strength is a promising sign. His candid reflections on the challenges he’s faced—both physically and mentally—highlight the resilience required to succeed at the highest level of tennis.
"I’m not done yet," Draper declared with a smile. "This is just a chapter in the story." For British tennis fans and the wider tennis community, the next chapter can’t come soon enough.