Jack Draper has officially announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open, citing a persistent bone bruise in his arm. This injury has kept him off the court since the 2025 U.S. Open. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the talented 24-year-old from Britain expressed the difficulty of his decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health over immediate competition.
“I’ve had this injury for a long time,” Draper stated. “I’m at the very, very end stages of the rehab process, and to step back on court into five-set tennis so soon just doesn’t seem like the smart decision for me and my tennis.”
Draper, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, reflected on the challenges of this injury, calling it “the most difficult, the most challenging, and the most complex” he has encountered throughout his career. This comes as no surprise, considering Draper has faced multiple physical setbacks early in his journey, including shoulder and abdominal issues over the past two years.
Despite the challenges, Draper remains optimistic. He mentioned that enduring such setbacks has only fueled his determination to improve and compete at a higher level. “It always seems to make me more resilient, to make me hungrier to become the player I want to become even more,” he noted, looking ahead to a hopeful return in 2026.
The young British star has had significant milestones in recent seasons, notably winning his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells earlier in the year. Up until his injury, he was on a promising trajectory, with aspirations of qualifying for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals. However, the current setback has led to his unfortunate exit from the U.S. Open and now the Australian Open as well.
As Draper focuses on recovery, he expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his journey. “Thank you to everyone for all the support in 2025. It means the world to me to be competing and to be playing out there on the tour with the other guys. I’m looking forward to doing that again,” he concluded.
