LONDON — As Great Britain prepares for its crucial Davis Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo this weekend, a familiar yet long-absent figure is set to make a significant return. Jack Draper, the 22-year-old British number three, has been named in captain Leon Smith’s squad, marking the end of a grueling and mentally taxing period sidelined by injury. For Draper, the call-up represents more than just a chance to represent his country; it is the triumphant culmination of a battle fought through what he describes as "lots of dark moments."
The young left-hander’s 2023 season was brutally truncated by a shoulder injury that first surfaced during his run to the fourth round of the US Open in September. What initially seemed a minor niggle escalated, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament and ultimately end his year prematurely. The subsequent months were spent not on the practice courts of sunny training bases, but in the repetitive, lonely grind of rehabilitation. "It’s been a really tough period for me," Draper admitted in a recent interview.
The Mental Battle of Rehabilitation
While the physical demands of recovering from a persistent shoulder issue are immense, Draper has been strikingly candid about the psychological toll. Watching peers and rivals compete and climb the rankings while he was stationary created a unique form of torment. "When you're injured, you have a lot of time to think," he reflected. "You see other players doing well, winning matches, and you're stuck. There were lots of dark moments, lots of times where I questioned things and found it very hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel."
This vulnerability is a stark contrast to the powerful, aggressive game Draper exhibits on court. His honesty sheds light on the often-hidden mental struggles professional athletes face during extended layoffs. The journey back involved more than just rebuilding muscle; it required reconstructing confidence and patience. Key to his recovery was a structured, cautious approach, avoiding the temptation to rush back and risk further setback.
A Cautious Road Back to Competition
Draper’s return to the tour began tentatively in January at the Adelaide International, where he secured a morale-boosting win before bowing out. However, the true test came at the Australian Open, where he pushed world number 14 Tommy Paul to five sets in a thrilling first-round encounter. Though he lost, the performance was a critical signal—to himself and the tennis world—that his game and his body were ready for the rigors of top-level competition. The process involved:
- Gradual Load Management: Meticulously increasing serving volume and intensity under strict medical supervision.
- Technical Adjustments: Working with his team to ensure his service motion was both effective and sustainable for the shoulder.
- Competitive Patience: Accepting that results might not be immediate and focusing on the long-term picture of a fully healthy season.
"The shoulder is feeling good," Draper confirmed ahead of the Davis Cup tie. "It's been a slow process, but we've done it the right way. I've had to be very patient, which isn't always easy for me. But now I'm just excited to be playing pain-free and competing for my country again."
The Davis Cup Stage Awaits
The Davis Cup qualifier in Oslo presents a perfect platform for Draper’s official reintegration into team tennis. Great Britain, the 2015 champions, face a Norwegian side spearheaded by the formidable world number eight, Casper Ruud. The tie is played over two days, featuring two singles matches on Friday and a doubles rubber followed by two reverse singles on Saturday. The winner advances to the 16-nation Finals group stage in September. Draper’s powerful, left-handed game, particularly on indoor hard courts, makes him a potent weapon for Captain Leon Smith.
Smith expressed his confidence in Draper’s readiness and the boost his return provides: "It's great to have Jack back fit and available. We all know what he's capable of. He's been through a really tough time, but he's come out the other side stronger. His firepower and attitude in a team environment are fantastic assets for us." Draper is likely to feature in singles, potentially facing Ruud in a marquee matchup, or tasked with securing vital wins in the other rubbers.
A New Perspective Gained
The trials of the past six months have, Draper suggests, forged a new resilience within him. The time away from the sport he loves has paradoxically deepened his appreciation for it. "You learn a lot about yourself when you're forced to stop," he said. "It makes you hungrier. It makes you realise how much you miss competing, how much you miss the tour, the crowds, everything. I feel like I have a new perspective now. I won't take a single match for granted."
This matured outlook could prove invaluable in the high-pressure cauldron of Davis Cup, where matches are often decided as much by nerve as by technique. For a British team transitioning from the legendary Andy Murray era and looking to establish a new core alongside Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans, a fit and focused Jack Draper is a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
Looking Beyond Oslo
The immediate focus is squarely on securing victory for Great Britain in Norway. However, Draper’s successful return has broader implications for British tennis. Before his injury, he was widely regarded as the nation’s most promising young talent, with a game built to challenge the very best. His powerful serve, crushing forehand, and improved movement had seen him break into the world’s top 40 and claim his first ATP Challenger titles. A full, injury-free season could see him surge up the rankings and become a consistent threat at major tournaments.
As he packs his bags for Oslo, the "dark moments" are not forgotten, but they are now framed as a necessary passage. "It was a test, and I feel like I've passed it," Draper stated, a note of hard-earned satisfaction in his voice. "I'm back, I'm healthy, and I'm ready to fight for every point. Representing Great Britain in the Davis Cup is a huge honour, and I can't wait to get out there and contribute to the team." For Jack Draper, the light at the end of the tunnel is now the bright glow of the court lights in Oslo, and a long-awaited chance to shine once more.