British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not compete at the upcoming French Open after being sidelined by a persistent knee tendon injury. The 24‑year‑old, who once occupied a place among the world’s top four players, now faces another significant hurdle on his road to recovery, and his absence also casts doubt over his participation at Wimbledon later this summer. The setback follows a turbulent period that began with a severe arm injury last year, which kept Draper off the court for roughly eight months. Since making his comeback in February, he has managed to play only nine matches across five tournaments, a stark contrast to the busy schedule he maintained before his health troubles.
His most recent appearance was at the Barcelona Open, where he was forced to retire in the opening round against Tomas Etcheverry after aggravating the knee problem. Medical examinations revealed that the knee tendon injury had worsened, prompting his team to advise against competing on the demanding clay courts of Roland Garros. Draper had initially hoped to be fit for the second Grand Slam of the year, but the risk of returning too quickly could jeopardise his long‑term rehabilitation. In a candid Instagram story, he 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. 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 decision underscores the delicate balance athletes must strike between ambition and health. Clay courts demand long, grueling rallies and place considerable strain on the lower body, especially the knees. For a player still recovering from both an arm and a knee issue, the risk of aggravating either condition is high.
By opting to sit out the French Open, Draper and his support team are prioritising a sustainable return over short‑term glory. Looking ahead, Draper’s next realistic target could be the grass‑court season, beginning with the Stuttgart Open in early June.
That tournament holds special significance for him, as it was the venue where he captured his first ATP title in 2024. A successful run in Stuttgart could serve as a confidence‑boosting stepping stone toward the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships in London, which start the week after the Stuttgart event, and ultimately Wimbledon.
The British tennis landscape, however, has been marked by a series of injuries and withdrawals this year. Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she continues to recover from lingering post‑viral symptoms that emerged after a February illness. Sonay Kartal has already ruled herself out of the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open, while fellow British players Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are also grappling with fitness concerns. Among the British contingent, only Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter have been able to compete in the singles draw at the Madrid Open, and they may be the sole representatives at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome.
Raducanu has resumed training and could potentially appear at the Foro Italico, with a final decision expected later in the week. If Draper can regain full fitness, his presence on the grass courts would add depth to the British lineup and provide a compelling storyline for Wimbledon fans. His powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and natural athleticism make him a formidable opponent on faster surfaces, and many analysts believe he could quickly become a threat to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner should he return in form. For now, the tennis world will watch his rehabilitation closely.
The combination of a healed knee tendon and a fully recovered arm will be essential for Draper to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. In the meantime, fans can stay updated through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including their WhatsApp service, the Sky Sports app, and streaming options like NOW, which offer extensive coverage of ATP and WTA events.
The continued support of the British tennis community will be crucial as Draper navigates this challenging phase of his career, aiming to return stronger and ready to contend for major titles once more.