British tennis hopeful Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not compete in the upcoming French Open after doctors identified a lingering knee‑tendon problem. The withdrawal also casts doubt over his participation at Wimbledon, leaving the 24‑year‑old in a precarious position as he attempts to rebuild his career after a serious arm injury that kept him out of competition for most of the past eight months.
Since making his comeback in February, Draper has managed to play only nine matches across five different tournaments. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he retired in the first round against Spain's Tomas Etcheverry. Post‑match examinations revealed that his knee tendon had been aggravated, a setback that forced him to reconsider his schedule for the rest of the season. Initially, Draper had hoped to be back on court in time for the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, which begins next month on the famed clay of Roland Garros.
However, medical advice warned against a hasty return to the demanding five‑set format on a surface that places considerable strain on the lower body. In a candid Instagram story, Draper wrote, "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." He added that the decision was part of a broader strategy to protect his body after the arm injury that sidelined him for much of last year.
"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!" he concluded, signaling optimism about a future return. The timing of this news is particularly disheartening for Draper, who less than a year ago was ranked inside the world’s top four and was widely regarded as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the sport’s biggest titles.
Missing Roland Garros now places him alongside Alcaraz, who also withdrew due to injury, and makes it highly likely that Draper will fall out of the top 100 when the rankings are updated after the tournament. Draper’s absence is part of a broader pattern of British players struggling with injuries this season. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, remains out of competition as she recovers from lingering post‑viral symptoms that began after an illness in early February.
Sonay Kartal has already ruled herself out of the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open, while fellow British prospects Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have also been battling fitness problems. At the Madrid Open, only Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter represented Great Britain in the singles draws, and a similar situation is expected at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. Raducanu, however, has resumed training and could make an appearance at the Foro Italico, with a decision expected later in the week.
Looking ahead, Draper may target a return on grass, where his game has historically thrived. The Stuttgart tournament, which kicks off on June 8, could provide a low‑pressure environment for him to test his knee on a faster surface.
Following Stuttgart, the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London are scheduled for the week after, offering another opportunity for the young Brit to gauge his fitness before the Wimbledon Championships. The broader tennis community has taken note of Draper’s situation, with Sky Sports and other broadcasters highlighting the challenges he faces.
Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, the Sky Sports app, or streaming services like NOW, which provide live coverage of ATP and WTA events. The network has also emphasized the importance of using a Chrome browser for optimal video playback. In summary, Jack Draper’s decision to skip the French Open underscores the delicate balance athletes must strike between ambition and health.
While the knee tendon issue is a setback, his transparent communication and measured approach suggest he is focused on a sustainable return rather than a rushed comeback. If he can navigate the recovery process successfully, the grass‑court season could serve as a springboard for re‑establishing himself among the sport’s elite, potentially setting the stage for a strong showing at Wimbledon later this summer.