British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will miss the upcoming French Open after doctors identified a worsening knee‑tendon problem. The decision also casts doubt over his ability to compete at Wimbledon, the next Grand Slam, and adds another chapter to a season that has been plagued by injuries for the 24‑year‑old former world No. 4.
The setback comes as Draper tries to rebuild his career following a serious arm injury that kept him off the tour for roughly eight months. Since his comeback in February, he has played only nine matches across five tournaments, a far cry from the schedule of a top‑ranked player. His most recent appearance was at the Barcelona Open, where he was forced to retire in the first round against Tomas Etcheverry after the knee issue flared up.
Subsequent medical assessment confirmed that the tendon in his knee had been aggravated, prompting him to withdraw from Roland Garros despite earlier hopes of a swift return before the second Grand Slam of the year. In a brief Instagram story, Draper explained his situation: "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!" His words underline a cautious approach, emphasizing long‑term health over short‑term gains. The timing could not be worse for Draper, who entered the season inside the top four of the ATP rankings and was widely regarded as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles.
Missing Roland Garros means he will join Alcaraz, who also withdrew, and likely see his ranking slip well outside the top 100 by the time he returns to competition. The British media have highlighted the broader impact on the nation's tennis hopes, noting that Draper’s absence leaves a significant void among the UK’s male players.
His injury woes are part of a larger pattern affecting British tennis this year. Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she continues to recover from lingering post‑viral symptoms that emerged after an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already announced she will not contest the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open. Fellow compatriots Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are also battling fitness concerns, limiting the depth of the British contingent.
At the Madrid Open, only Cameron Norrie—who is on track to re‑enter the world’s top 20—and Katie Boulter represented Great Britain in the singles draws. The same limited representation is expected at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome, where the British squad will likely be similarly thin.
Raducanu, however, has resumed training and may appear at the Foro Italico, with a decision on her participation expected later in the week. Looking ahead, Draper could stage a comeback on grass, the surface that suits his aggressive baseline game.
The Stuttgart Open, which kicks off on June 8, offers a plausible entry point; Draper captured his first ATP title there earlier in 2024, and a return to familiar conditions could aid his rehabilitation. Following Stuttgart, the prestigious HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London are scheduled for the week after, providing another opportunity for the British youngster to test his fitness before Wimbledon.
The broader context of the story includes Sky Sports’ coverage of tennis across multiple platforms. Fans can follow live scores, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis via the Sky Sports app, the NOW streaming service, or traditional broadcast channels.
The network also encourages viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video experience and offers a range of tennis‑related content, from match replays to feature pieces on rising stars. In summary, Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the French Open underscores the fragility of a season already marred by injury for several British players.
While his knee injury necessitates a period of rest, his public statements reflect a commitment to a measured recovery that prioritises long‑term performance over immediate participation. The next few months will be crucial as he seeks to regain match fitness on grass, with the Stuttgart Open and Queen’s Club serving as potential springboards back into the upper echelons of the sport.
The British tennis community, meanwhile, watches closely, hoping that Draper and his compatriots can return to form and re‑ignite the nation’s hopes for Grand Slam success later in the year.