British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will miss the upcoming French Open after suffering a setback with a knee tendon problem, leaving his participation at Wimbledon also in doubt. The 24‑year‑old, who once occupied a place among the world’s top four, has been battling to regain his form after a lengthy arm injury that kept him off the court for roughly eight months. Since his comeback in February, Draper has managed only nine matches across five tournaments, and his most recent appearance ended prematurely when he retired in the first round of the Barcelona Open against Tomas Etcheverry. Medical examinations following that match revealed an aggravated knee tendon injury, prompting doctors to advise him against playing the clay‑court Grand Slam in Paris.
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 underscore the careful approach he and his team are taking, prioritising long‑term health over a quick return to the spotlight. The decision represents another discouraging blow for Draper, who entered the season as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Less than a year ago he was perched inside the top four, and his recent form suggested he could be a serious contender for major titles. Now, with his knee still fragile, he is likely to slip well outside the top 100 by the time he can compete again, mirroring the misfortune of Alcaraz, who also will be absent from Roland Garros. Draper’s withdrawal adds to a string of setbacks affecting Britain’s leading tennis players this year.
Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she recovers from lingering post‑viral symptoms that followed an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already ruled herself out of the French Open after a back injury sustained at the Miami Open, while fellow British players Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have been battling various fitness concerns. The only British men still active in the singles draw at the Madrid Open were Cameron Norrie, who is poised to break back into the world’s top 20 next month, and Katie Boulter on the women’s side.
Their presence may also be the extent of British representation at the forthcoming Italian Open in Rome. Despite the gloom, there are a few glimmers of optimism.
Raducanu has resumed training and could make an appearance at the Foro Italico, with a decision expected later in the week. Draper, on the other hand, might stage a return on grass, targeting the Stuttgart tournament where he captured his maiden ATP title earlier in 2024. That event kicks off on June 8, and a successful run there could serve as a springboard toward the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships at the end of the month, offering him a chance to test his fitness on a surface that suits his aggressive style. The broader context of the British tennis season has been one of disappointment and injury woes, but the resilience shown by players like Draper and Norrie suggests that the nation’s talent pool still holds promise.
By allowing his knee the necessary time to recover, Draper aims to return stronger and more sustainable, avoiding the temptation to rush back into the grueling five‑set matches that define Grand Slam competition on clay. His measured approach reflects a growing awareness among modern athletes that long‑term career longevity often depends on prudent injury management.
Fans can stay updated on Draper’s recovery and other British tennis news through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including their WhatsApp service, the Sky Sports app, and live streaming options via NOW. The network continues to provide extensive coverage of ATP and WTA events, offering viewers access to a wide array of matches, highlights, and expert analysis. As the tennis calendar progresses, all eyes will be on how Draper and his compatriots navigate the challenges ahead and whether they can reclaim their positions among the sport’s elite.