LONDON — British tennis star Jack Draper has withdrawn from two upcoming tournaments as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during Wimbledon, confirming his return date for later this summer. The 22-year-old, who was forced to retire from his first-round match at SW19, has been sidelined since the setback but is now eyeing a comeback in time for the North American hardcourt swing.
Draper, one of Britain’s brightest prospects, suffered the injury during his opening-round clash with Sweden’s Elias Ymer at Wimbledon, retiring in the third set due to severe shoulder pain. The left-hander later confirmed scans revealed a partial tear in his rotator cuff, forcing him to miss the remainder of the grass-court season. His withdrawal from the Atlanta Open and the Washington Open confirms he will not return until at least early August.
Injury Woes Continue for Draper
This latest setback is another chapter in Draper’s ongoing battle with injuries, which have hampered his rapid rise in the ATP rankings. The Surrey-born player, who reached a career-high No. 38 earlier this year, has struggled with fitness issues throughout his young career, including abdominal strains and hip problems. "It’s frustrating, but I have to be smart with my recovery," Draper said in a recent interview.
His team has confirmed he will now focus on rehabilitation before targeting a return at the Canadian Open in Toronto, beginning August 5. "The goal is to be fully fit for the North American swing and then push towards the US Open," a spokesperson for Draper stated.
Wimbledon Disappointment
Draper’s early exit at Wimbledon was a bitter blow for the British No. 4, who had been in strong form leading into the tournament. After reaching the semifinals in Eastbourne, hopes were high that he could make a deep run at SW19. However, his injury flared up early in his match against Ymer, leaving him unable to continue. "I knew straight away something wasn’t right," Draper admitted post-match.
The tournament marked another missed opportunity for Draper at a Grand Slam, having also retired from the 2023 Australian Open due to injury. His best major performance remains a fourth-round appearance at the 2022 US Open, where he pushed eventual semifinalist Karen Khachanov to four sets.
Road to Recovery
Draper’s rehabilitation plan includes:
- Strengthening exercises for his shoulder
- Gradual reintroduction to serving
- Controlled practice sessions to avoid setbacks
Expert Opinion
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Emma Carter weighed in on Draper’s situation: "Rotator cuff injuries can be tricky for tennis players, especially serve-heavy athletes like Draper. A cautious approach is essential to prevent long-term damage." She added that a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline is typical for partial tears, aligning with Draper’s projected return.
Looking Ahead
If Draper returns as planned, he will have a packed schedule ahead of the US Open, with potential appearances in Toronto, Cincinnati, and Winston-Salem. The hardcourt season presents a crucial opportunity for him to regain momentum and climb back up the rankings after his Wimbledon disappointment.
British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith expressed optimism about Draper’s future: "Jack has shown incredible resilience. When he’s fit, he’s one of the most exciting players on tour. This is just a bump in the road."
For now, Draper remains focused on his recovery, determined to return stronger. "I’ll be back soon, and I’ll be ready to compete at my best," he assured fans in a social media update this week.