Tennis analyst Laura Robson has cautioned British tennis player Jack Draper against competing in 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 match at the Barcelona Open and has since confirmed that he will miss the Madrid Open and the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.
Despite this setback, Robson believes it is positive news for Draper, who has been recovering from a long-standing elbow issue. Draper is now targeting the French Open, and Robson has emphasized the importance of getting sufficient practice before the tournament. Robson noted that Draper's current knee issue is likely a result of compensating for his previous injury, and that he needs to take the time to recover and get back to 100 per cent. Meanwhile, fellow British player Emma Raducanu has also withdrawn from the Madrid Open as she continues to recover from post-viral symptoms.
Raducanu has been out of action since March and is hopeful of returning to play in Rome at the start of May. Robson has stated that Raducanu's return to action is uncertain, but she is working on her rehabilitation and is expected to return to the court soon.