British tennis star Jack Draper has officially announced that he will miss the 2026 Australian Open as he continues to recuperate from a persistent injury, specifically a bruised bone in his left arm. The 24-year-old, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, expressed his disappointment over the decision but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health and future performance.
Draper, who has faced a turbulent 2025 season marred by injury, has participated in only a single match since the Wimbledon Championships. In a heartfelt message shared through a video on social media platform X, he stated, “It’s a really, really tough decision, especially as Australia is one of the biggest tournaments in our sport.” He went on to detail the lengthy recovery journey he has endured, particularly after feeling discomfort during his last match — a first-round victory over Federico Agustin Gomez at the U.S. Open, which he later had to withdraw from.
The Brit’s last appearance in a competitive setting was a bittersweet one, as he acknowledged the pain he experienced during the match against Gomez, which he won comfortably before realizing he could not continue in the tournament due to his arm injury, sustained earlier in the year during his second-round exit at Wimbledon against Marin Cilic.
Draper had hoped to make a comeback at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown held in London last month. However, medical advice prompted him to delay his return to ensure he is fully fit. He reflected on the challenges he has faced in 2025, calling this injury the most difficult of his career thus far.
Looking ahead, Draper remains optimistic about his future, stating, “It seems to make me more resilient and hungrier to strive for the player I want to become.” He expressed gratitude towards his supporters, acknowledging their role in his motivation to return stronger in 2026.
As the Australian Open prepares to kick off its main draw on January 12, Draper will be missed, but fans and fellow players alike will be eager to see him back on the court when he is ready.
