Jack Draper Forced to Withdraw from Madrid Open Due to Injury

The Mutua Madrid Open is set to commence on Tuesday, with live coverage on Sky Sports. Unfortunately, Britain's Jack Draper has withdrawn from the competition as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained during the Barcelona Open. Draper's withdrawal follows those of notable players Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. He will also miss the Italian Open next month but is targeting a return to action at the French Open in May. In a statement, the 24-year-old explained that an aggravated tendon in his knee has ruled him out of competing in Madrid and Rome, adding that while it's frustrating, he's relieved the injury isn't more severe and is optimistic about his chances of being fit for Roland Garros. Britain's Cameron Norrie will participate in the tournament and has received a first-round bye, following his quarter-final appearance at the Barcelona Open last week. Katie Boulter will face American Taylor Townsend in the first round, with a potential second-round meeting against fifth seed Jessica Pegula. Boulter has a perfect record against Townsend, having won all three of their previous encounters, although they haven't met since 2024. A victory for Boulter would set up a second-round clash with Pegula, who recently won her second WTA title of the season in Charleston. Despite the absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic, Jannik Sinner is the top seed and will receive a bye in the first round. The ATP and WTA Tours can be watched live on Sky Sports or streamed with NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing Sky Sports customers with access to over 50% more live sports this year at no additional cost.