British tennis hopeful Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming French Open after medical professionals diagnosed a worsening knee tendon injury. The decision also casts doubt over his ability to compete at Wimbledon, which follows shortly after the clay‑court major. This setback adds another chapter to the former world No. 4’s arduous journey back to the top after an extensive arm injury that kept him off the tour for roughly eight months.
Since making his return in February, Draper has only managed to play nine matches across five tournaments, a far cry from the busy schedule he once enjoyed. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he was forced to retire in the first round against Tomas Etcheverry. Following that match, further medical evaluation revealed that his knee tendon injury had become aggravated.
Initially, Draper had hoped to be fit in time for the second Grand Slam of the year, but the advice from his team was clear: he should not rush back onto the demanding clay surface that requires extended, grueling five‑set matches. In an Instagram story, Draper posted a candid update: "My knee is on the mend and I've started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros. As gutting as it is to miss another Slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five‑set tennis on clay. Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I've been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again.
See you soon!" The British player’s withdrawal is a bitter disappointment for a 24‑year‑old who, less than twelve months ago, was ranked inside the world’s top four and was being discussed as a genuine challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles. Missing Roland Garros now puts him in the same predicament as Alcaraz, who also sat out the tournament due to injury concerns.
The ranking repercussions are likely to be severe; Draper could find himself outside the top 100 when he eventually returns to competition. His absence also highlights a broader trend of British players struggling with fitness this season.
Emma Raducanu remains out of action, still recovering from post‑viral symptoms that emerged after an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already withdrawn from the French Open after suffering a back injury at the Miami Open, and fellow compatriots Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have been battling various health issues. At the Madrid Open, only Cameron Norrie – who is expected to climb back into the world’s top‑20 next month – and Katie Boulter represented Great Britain in the singles draws.
The same limited British presence is likely to be seen at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. Raducanu has resumed training and may decide to compete at the Foro Italico later this week, while Norrie continues to focus on his comeback.
For Draper, the next realistic opportunity to test his fitness could come on the grass courts of Stuttgart, where he captured his first ATP title of 2024. That event begins on June 8, offering a potential springboard back into form ahead of the prestigious HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London the following week.
A successful run in Stuttgart would not only provide valuable match play but also serve as a confidence boost before the grass‑court season reaches its climax at Wimbledon. In the broader context of tennis broadcasting, fans can continue to follow the ATP and WTA tours live via Sky Sports or stream the action through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. These services now grant Sky Sports customers access to more than 50 percent additional live sport coverage at no extra charge, ensuring that even when favorite players are sidelined, the excitement of the sport remains readily available.
Overall, Draper’s withdrawal underscores the fragile nature of a professional tennis career, where injuries can swiftly derail momentum. His commitment to a measured recovery, however, suggests a long‑term perspective aimed at preserving his body and returning stronger. While the immediate outlook may be disappointing for his supporters, the emphasis on healing and gradual rebuilding could ultimately enable him to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. The tennis world will be watching closely as he navigates the next steps of his rehabilitation and prepares for a potential comeback on the grass courts of Stuttgart and beyond.