LONDON — British tennis star Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic exhibition event at the Hurlingham Club, casting a fresh shadow over his physical readiness just days before he is due to link up with Emma Raducanu for a high-profile mixed doubles partnership at Wimbledon.
The 22-year-old left-hander, now the British No. 1 and seeded 28th for the Championships, was scheduled to play at the prestigious pre-Wimbledon warm-up on Thursday. His withdrawal, citing a shoulder issue, follows a similar pattern of disrupted preparation that has become a concerning hallmark of his promising but injury-plagued career.
A Recurring Theme of Disruption
Draper’s latest setback comes on the heels of a truncated grass-court season. He made a strong start by winning his second ATP title in Stuttgart, defeating Matteo Berrettini in the final, but was forced to retire from his next match at Queen’s Club the following week due to a shoulder problem. The Hurlingham event was seen as a crucial opportunity to test that shoulder under competitive conditions before the Grand Slam.
His management confirmed the withdrawal was a precautionary measure. A statement read, "Jack is unfortunately not going to be able to play at Hurlingham today due to shoulder soreness. He is taking a cautious approach ahead of Wimbledon and will use the time to prepare for the Championships."
This is not an isolated incident. Draper’s ascent into the world’s top 30 has been consistently hampered by physical problems, leading to a series of mid-tournament retirements and withdrawals that have stymied his momentum. Key injuries in recent seasons include:
- A recurring shoulder injury that required treatment in 2023.
- An abdominal issue that forced him out of the 2023 French Open.
- A hip problem during his fourth-round match at the 2023 US Open.
- Frequent bouts of cramping and fatigue in best-of-five-set matches.
This history makes his current situation particularly worrisome for British fans and pundits alike, who see in Draper a genuine top-10 talent if he can maintain a consistent run of fitness. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman recently noted, "The biggest challenge for Jack is going to be his physical resilience."
The Raducanu Partnership Under a Cloud
The timing of this withdrawal amplifies concerns around one of the most anticipated storylines of the British Wimbledon: the new mixed doubles pairing of Draper and Emma Raducanu. The duo confirmed last week they would join forces, creating a buzz around a partnership featuring the country’s top male and female players, both of whom have battled significant injury woes.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has only recently returned to a full schedule after multiple surgeries on her wrists and ankle last year. Her own fitness journey has been meticulously managed. The prospect of both athletes entering the demanding mixed doubles draw—which requires playing best-of-three-set matches alongside their singles commitments—is now fraught with uncertainty.
Tennis analysts have questioned the wisdom of the pairing given both players' histories. While the commercial and narrative appeal is undeniable, the physical risk is substantial. As one insider commented to the Telegraph, "It’s a box-office move, but from a purely tennis fitness perspective, it’s a gamble for both of them."
The Logistics of Recovery and Preparation
With the Wimbledon draw now made, Draper faces a tricky first-round test against Swedish qualifier Elias Ymer. The focus will immediately shift to the treatment room and practice courts at Aorangi Park. The decision to skip Hurlingham suggests his team is prioritizing rest and targeted rehabilitation over match sharpness, a calculated risk with the Grand Slam beginning on Monday, July 1st.
The key questions now are:
- Is the shoulder soreness a minor niggle or a sign of a deeper issue?
- Can he recover sufficiently to be competitive in a potentially grueling five-set match?
- Will the mixed doubles plan with Raducanu proceed as scheduled?
As of now, there has been no indication from either camp that the mixed doubles entry will be withdrawn. Raducanu is scheduled to begin her singles campaign against Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, a tough opener that will itself demand full physical commitment.
Broader Implications for British Hopes
Draper’s fitness is not just a personal concern but a national one. With Cameron Norrie’s form dipping and Andy Murray’s participation limited due to back surgery, Draper is widely seen as Britain’s best hope for a deep run in the men’s singles at SW19. His powerful serve and flat, penetrating groundstrokes are tailor-made for grass, as his Stuttgart victory proved.
This latest interruption, however, threatens to derail that hope before a ball is struck in anger. It underscores the fragile nature of modern tennis, where the physical demands are immense and the margins for error are slim. Draper’ team has invested heavily in his conditioning, but the pattern of withdrawals persists.
In a press conference earlier this week before the withdrawal, Draper had spoken optimistically about managing his body. "We’re doing everything right," he said. "It’s just sometimes the body doesn’t respond how you want it to. The shoulder is feeling better, and we’re confident for Wimbledon."
That confidence will now be severely tested. The coming days will be a race against time for Draper to prove his shoulder is Grand Slam-ready. All eyes will be on his practice sessions and, ultimately, his performance against Ymer. The dream partnership with Raducanu, a tantalizing subplot for the home crowd, now hangs in the balance, dependent on the recovery of a player for whom the treatment table has become an all-too-familiar foe.