Jack Draper’s Recovery Journey
Jack Draper has been absent from competitive tennis since his surprising exit in the second round of Wimbledon, where he was initially considered one of the top contenders for the championship alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic. Draper’s journey at Wimbledon ended abruptly after he was defeated by veteran Marin Cilic.
Withdrawal from ATP Masters 1000 Events
Following his Wimbledon performance, Draper was set to participate in high-profile ATP Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati but was forced to withdraw from both due to injury concerns. This has raised eyebrows, particularly as other players like Matteo Berrettini faced similar fates before withdrawing from the US Open. However, Draper aims to take a different path.
Insights on His Injury
Speaking with the British Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Draper revealed the specifics of his injury, disclosing that he has been contending with an arm issue for some time.
“I found out I had an injury in my arm, which I had been playing with for a little while. The doctors and my team advised me that I’d need to take some time out,”
he stated. He took a brief hiatus to recharge, after which he diligently focused on his fitness before gradually returning to practice.
Optimism for the Future
Despite missing out on the tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati, Draper remains optimistic.
“I feel refreshed, motivated, and I can’t wait to get back out there,”
he expressed, looking forward to competing in the US Open. His intention to challenge leading players like Alcaraz and Sinner reflects his ambition and competitive spirit. Draper, the highest-ranked player under 24 after these two, described the current tennis landscape as electrifying. He admires the consistency and skill displayed by his peers while expressing his determination to elevate his own game to their level.
Aiming for the ATP Finals
In addition to his immediate focus on upcoming matches, Draper has set his sights on qualifying for the ATP Finals later this year—a target he identified early in the season. Currently sitting in seventh place in the 2025 ATP Race with a solid 270-point margin over the eighth-ranked player, Lorenzo Musetti, Draper understands the significance of maintaining a consistent performance.
“The ATP Finals is definitely something I’ve got my eyes on. If I make it, great, but if I don’t, life moves on, and I’ll keep striving to be better,”
he concluded, underscoring his resilience and dedication to the sport.
