Jack Draper withdrew from the Mubadala DC Open on Monday citing a left-arm injury.
“These last months have felt like nothing but adversity and setbacks,” Draper wrote on Instagram. “Most days I’ve spent in doubt, yet hopeful that I can keep taking positive steps forward and finding ways to progress. On days off, I reflect, and I’m only grateful for the struggle and what it’s teaching me. Finding acceptance and being patient with the process has been my biggest challenge, but I know I’m getting closer to where I want to be!!”
The Brit’s 2026 campaign appears to be tracking similarly to 2025, when he peaked at Indian Wells before being plagued by physical problems. Draper, who won the Indian Wells title last spring, defeated Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) to reach the quarterfinals in the desert in March — without question one of the matches of the year so far. However, the 24-year-old has not won just three total matches since that result. An Eastbourne semifinal appearance marks his only event since April.
Draper has not played a Grand Slam match since round one of last summer’s U.S. Open. He withdrew prior to the second round and also missed the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon earlier this season.
The world No. 147 was scheduled to face Alex Michelsen in the Washington, D.C. first round. Michelsen will now go up against lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.
really needs to hang it up this year and get 100 percent for 2027
Agreed. Seems very counter productive all this stopping and starting.
Looks like his career will be plagued with injuries.
Draper “The Man Who Was A Hospital” Tennis is a grueling unforgiving sport. A normal Tennis season is long almost unending running from January to November and Draper is always injured. This doesn’t bode well for him. Not so long ago he was seen as someone with the potential to challenge for majors. It’s all unraveling.