British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will miss the upcoming French Open after being sidelined by a knee tendon problem, casting further doubt over his participation at Wimbledon. This development adds another setback to the former world No.
4’s effort to rebuild his career after a lengthy arm injury that kept him out of competition for roughly eight months. Since making his comeback in February, Draper has played only nine matches across five tournaments.
His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he retired in the first round against Tomas Etcheverry. Medical examinations revealed that the knee tendon injury had worsened, and although he had initially hoped to be fit for the second Grand Slam of the season, the prognosis forced him to withdraw from Roland Garros. In an 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 the careful approach he and his team are taking, prioritising a full recovery over a rushed return that could jeopardise his long‑term prospects.
For a 24‑year‑old who, less than a year ago, was perched inside the world’s top four and viewed as a credible challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the news is particularly disheartening. Missing another major means Draper is likely to slip well outside the top 100 by the time he can compete again, a steep drop from the lofty rankings he once held. The British contingent as a whole is enduring a rough season.
Emma Raducanu remains out of action, still battling post‑viral symptoms after an illness that struck in early February. Sonay Kartal has also withdrawn from the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open, while compatriots Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are grappling with their own fitness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, and the same limited representation may be seen at the forthcoming Italian Open in Rome.
Raducanu, however, is back in training and could elect to play at the Foro Italico, with a decision expected later in the week. Looking ahead, Draper’s next possible appearance could come at the grass‑court event in Stuttgart, where he captured his first title of 2024.
That tournament kicks off on June 8, followed by the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London the following week, offering him a potential pathway back to competitive form on a surface that suits his aggressive style. The broader context of these injuries highlights the physical toll that the modern tour can exact, especially on young players who are still establishing themselves.
Draper’s knee issue, compounded by the lingering effects of his previous arm injury, illustrates how a single setback can ripple through a season, affecting not only Grand Slam preparations but also ranking points, sponsorship visibility, and confidence. Fans can stay updated on Draper’s recovery and other British tennis news by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the outlet provides the latest scores, video highlights, analysis, and in‑depth features. For those who wish to watch live tennis without a traditional broadcast contract, streaming options such as NOW and the Sky Sports app are available, delivering more than half again as much live sport this year at no extra charge.
In summary, Jack Draper’s withdrawal from Roland Garros is a painful but necessary decision aimed at safeguarding his long‑term health and performance. While the immediate outlook may seem bleak, a measured rehabilitation plan could see him return stronger, potentially targeting the grass‑court swing as his springboard back into the upper echelons of the sport. The British tennis community, though currently beset by injuries, remains hopeful that its rising stars will overcome these challenges and re‑emerge on the world stage.