Robson Warns Draper Against Entering French Open Underprepared

According to Sky Sports Tennis analyst Laura Robson, Jack Draper should be cautious not to enter the French Open without sufficient preparation, following his withdrawal from upcoming ATP events in Madrid and Rome due to a knee injury. Draper, who is the British No 2, retired from his first-round clash at the Barcelona Open against Tomas Martin Etcheverry due to the knee issue. He has now confirmed that he will miss the Madrid Open and the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, with the goal of participating in the French Open at Roland-Garros later in May. Robson believes it's positive news for Draper, who had previously struggled with an elbow issue that kept him out for most of the 2025 season. Draper's title defence in Indian Wells last month was only his second ATP tournament since his comeback, where he beat Novak Djokovic before losing to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. "He took the time to ensure a full recovery, but unfortunately, this knee issue has arisen, which is common when coming back from an injury, as you compensate and can't put in the necessary practice," Robson stated. Draper is expected to target events in Hamburg or Geneva, the week before the French Open, to get some much-needed practice. Robson said, "He's looking to take a couple of weeks off after retiring from his match in Barcelona, but he's hopeful of playing at Roland-Garros or the week before." Fellow Brit Emma Raducanu also withdrew from the Madrid Open as she continues to recover from post-viral symptoms. Raducanu, who last played in the third round at Indian Wells, is back in training and hopes to play in Rome at the start of May. "If only we knew when Raducanu will return to action," said Robson. "She's still struggling with the effects of a viral illness and isn't able to sustain consistency, so she's taking more time off." Robson added that Raducanu's current coaching situation is not a concern, as her focus is on regaining her health and fitness.