British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not be participating in the forthcoming French Open after doctors identified a worsening knee tendon problem. The injury not only forces him out of Roland Garros but also casts serious doubt over his ability to compete at Wimbledon, which follows just weeks later.
This development represents yet another setback for the former world No.4, who has been fighting to regain his standing after an extensive arm injury that kept him off the tour for roughly eight months. Since making his return in February, Draper has managed to play only nine matches across five tournaments, a stark contrast to the busy schedule he enjoyed before his arm surgery. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he retired in the opening round against Spain’s Tomas Etcheverry. Medical examinations after the Barcelona match revealed that the knee tendon injury had been aggravated, prompting a more cautious approach.
Initially, Draper had hoped to recover in time for the second Grand Slam of the season, but the advice he received from his medical team was to avoid the rigors of five‑set clay matches until his knee is fully healed. He shared an update on his Instagram story, writing: "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!" For a 24‑year‑old who, less than a year ago, was ranked among the world’s top four and was being touted as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the news is particularly disheartening. Draper now joins Alcaraz in missing the French Open, and his ranking is likely to slip well outside the top 100 by the time he returns to competition.
The British tennis scene is experiencing a broader malaise this season. Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she continues to recover from post‑viral fatigue that followed an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already withdrawn from the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open, while fellow British players Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are also battling fitness concerns.
Only Cameron Norrie, who is poised to re‑enter the world’s top‑20 next month, and Katie Boulter represented Britain in the singles draw at the Madrid Open. Their presence may also be the only British representation at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. Raducanu, however, has resumed training and could make an appearance at the Foro Italico, with the British No.1 expected to decide later in the week whether she will compete.
As for Draper, there is a glimmer of hope that he could make his comeback on grass. The Stuttgart tournament, where he captured his first ATP title of 2024, starts on June 8 and could serve as a suitable stepping stone.
Following Stuttgart, the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London are scheduled for the following week, offering another opportunity for Draper to test his knee on a surface that is generally less demanding than clay. The broader context of the situation underscores the challenges faced by British tennis this year.
With multiple players dealing with injuries or health setbacks, the nation’s hopes for a strong showing at the Grand Slam level have been significantly tempered. Nevertheless, the resilience shown by players like Draper—who continues to work on his rehabilitation and remains optimistic about returning to form—provides a measure of optimism for fans. For those following the story, Sky Sports offers up‑to‑date coverage, including videos, analysis, and live streams.
The network’s app and NOW streaming service give subscribers access to a wide range of live tennis action, with more than 50% additional live sport available at no extra charge. Viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on Draper’s recovery timeline and his potential return to the ATP circuit. In summary, Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the French Open due to a knee tendon injury is a significant blow to his comeback ambitions and to British tennis as a whole.
While the injury forces him to miss the clay‑court Grand Slam and raises questions about his Wimbledon prospects, the player remains committed to a careful rehabilitation process. With the Stuttgart event on the horizon and the grass‑court season approaching, there is still a realistic pathway for Draper to regain his footing and re‑establish himself among the sport’s elite, provided his knee heals as expected and he can rebuild his confidence on court.