On April 29, 2026, the tennis community was dealt a disappointing blow as Jack Draper announced he would not participate in the upcoming French Open due to a knee injury. This marks yet another setback for the young British player, who has been striving to regain his form after an extended absence caused by a severe arm injury that sidelined him for nearly eight months.
Since his return to the tour in February, Draper has only competed in nine matches across five different tournaments. His most recent outing at the Barcelona Open ended prematurely when he retired in the first round against Tomas Etcheverry, prompting further medical evaluations that revealed an aggravated knee tendon injury. Although Draper initially had hopes of being fit for the second Grand Slam of the year, he has prioritized his health and decided against the stress of competing in five-set matches on clay surfaces.
In an Instagram post, Draper expressed his frustration, stating, “My knee is on the mend and I’ve started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros. As gutting as it is to miss another slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five-set tennis on clay.” He emphasized the importance of taking time to properly heal, noting that he wishes to return to the level of play he aspires to achieve.
This latest development is particularly disheartening for Draper, who not long ago found himself ranked among the top four players globally. Last year, he was viewed as a potential contender for major titles, standing alongside rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. With his absence from Roland Garros, Draper’s ranking is expected to plummet below the top 100 when he eventually returns to competition.
The season has proven challenging for British tennis as a whole. Emma Raducanu remains out of action as she recovers from post-viral symptoms stemming from illness earlier this year. Another compatriot, Sonay Kartal, has also withdrawn from the French Open due to a back injury sustained during the Miami Open. Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are grappling with their own fitness concerns, further compounding the struggles facing British players.
Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie is on track to re-enter the world’s top 20 rankings next month, and Katie Boulter is currently representing the contingent at the Madrid Open. The duo’s presence may be all that remains for aspiring British players in singles as they head toward the Italian Open in Rome next week. Raducanu is expected to decide soon on her participation in the Foro Italico as she resumes training.
For Draper, the focus shifts to the grass-court season, with the Stuttgart tournament set to commence on June 8. This event holds special significance for him, as it was where he clinched his first professional title in 2024. Following Stuttgart, he will aim to compete in the prestigious HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London the subsequent week.
