Jack Draper Withdraws from French Open
Jack Draper has officially pulled out of the upcoming French Open due to a knee injury, marking another setback in his attempts to regain his competitive edge after a lengthy shoulder injury sidelined him for nearly eight months. Since making his return to the courts in February, the former world No. 4 has participated in only nine matches across five tournaments. His recent performance included a retirement during the first round against Tomas Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open earlier this month, which led to a diagnosis of an aggravated knee tendon issue.
Decision to Withdraw
Initially hopeful for a comeback before the second Grand Slam of the year, Draper has reassessed his situation and opted out of the rigorous demands of clay-court tennis, particularly the five-set format. In a candid post on Instagram, Draper expressed his disappointment:
“My knee is getting better and I’ve started to practice again, but I’ve been advised against competing at Roland Garros. As disappointing as it is to miss another Grand Slam, the recommendation is to avoid rushing back into playing five-set matches on clay. Given my prior arm injury last year, I have faced limitations in training. With time to recover, I aspire to fully reclaim my capabilities on the court. Looking forward to returning soon!”
Draper’s withdrawal is particularly disheartening given his previous status as a top-four player, positioning him as a potential contender against rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Challenges for British Tennis
In a broader context, this news highlights a challenging season for British tennis contenders. Emma Raducanu remains out of action as she recuperates from lingering post-viral symptoms from an illness earlier in the year. Sonay Kartal has also announced her withdrawal from the French Open due to a back injury suffered during the Miami Open. Meanwhile, Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are dealing with their own fitness challenges.
Positive Developments
On a more positive note, Cameron Norrie, who is around the top 20 mark, and Katie Boulter were the standout British players in singles at the current Madrid Open, a situation that may repeat itself at the forthcoming Italian Open. With Raducanu returning to training, there is a possibility she could compete at the Foro Italico, with her decision expected soon.
Looking Ahead
As for Draper, he eyes a return at the grass-court Stuttgart tournament starting June 8, followed by the prestigious HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club the subsequent week.
