Jack Draper is targeting a return to tennis at the upcoming tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati, remaining hopeful despite what he describes as a “complicated” bruised humerus injury that has limited him to just 14 matches over the past 12 months, according to the player’s recent statements.
The Road to Recovery and Injury Complications
Managing the physical demands of the sport has proven difficult for the player.
“It’s hard to tell when you can push [and] when not to push,” Draper said at Wimbledon, detailing the fine line athletes walk. “At the end of the day I’m playing a very aggressive sport, that you need to play through some stuff. Sometimes it’s too much. Sometimes it’s not. I wouldn’t be competing anywhere if there was a chance that I’m going to get a lot worse, for instance.”
Did you know? Jack Draper reached the semi-finals of the US Open in 2024, marking one of the deepest Grand Slam runs of his career before injuries sidelined him for major portions of the subsequent calendar.
Setbacks at Major Tournaments
Draper’s initial comeback earlier this season hit a major roadblock due to tendinitis in his knee. That persistent issue kept him off the ATP Tour for more than two months before he made a return at Eastbourne in June.
While his subsequent run to the semi-finals at Eastbourne showed promise, it came at a high physical cost. The arm injury flared up once again during Wimbledon, leaving Draper “devastated” as he was forced to withdraw from his home Grand Slam event. He has not competed in a major since the US Open in August, causing his ranking to slide to 147th in the world.
US Open Outlook and Ranking Challenges
With the US Open scheduled to begin on August 30, time is running out for to build match fitness. Should he recover in time for the hard-court major in New York, Draper will either need to battle through the qualifying rounds or rely on receiving a wildcard entry to secure a spot in the main draw.
In the immediate term, his withdrawal from Washington means lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald will step into the draw to replace him, altering the landscape of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury has sidelined Jack Draper?
Jack Draper has been sidelined primarily by a bruised humerus in his arm, alongside previous battles with knee tendinitis.
When does the US Open start?
The US Open main tournament is scheduled to begin on August 30.
What is Jack Draper’s current ranking?
Jack Draper is currently ranked 147th in the world following extended periods away from the tour due to injury.
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