British tennis hopeful Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not take part in the upcoming French Open after doctors identified a persistent knee tendon problem. The injury not only forces him out of Roland Garros but also casts doubt over his ability to compete at Wimbledon, which follows just weeks later.
The setback is another painful chapter in Draper’s attempt to rebuild his career after a serious arm injury that kept him off the tour for roughly eight months. Since making his return in February, the 24‑year‑old former world No. 4 has managed to play only nine matches across five tournaments, a far cry from the schedule he once maintained. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he retired in the opening round against Tomas Etcheverry after feeling a sharp pain in his knee.
Medical examinations after the Barcelona match revealed that the knee tendon injury had worsened, prompting specialists to advise him against a quick comeback on the demanding clay courts of Paris. Draper had initially hoped to be fit in time for the second Grand Slam of the season, but the consensus among his team was that rushing back could jeopardise his long‑term health and performance.
He communicated the news to his followers via an 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!" The message highlighted his frustration but also his determination to recover properly before returning to the highest level of competition.
For Draper, missing the French Open is more than a single tournament loss; it threatens his ranking and his momentum heading into the grass‑court season. At the time of his withdrawal, he was likely to fall out of the top 100, a stark contrast to the position he held less than a year ago when he was consistently ranked among the world’s elite and was viewed as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles.
The British tennis scene as a whole has endured a difficult year. Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she battles lingering post‑viral symptoms from an illness she contracted in early February. Fellow British player Sonay Kartal has already withdrawn from Roland Garros after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open, while rising stars Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley are also grappling with various fitness concerns.
Only Cameron Norrie, who is expected to re‑enter the world top‑20 in the coming weeks, and Katie Boulter represented Britain in the singles draw at the current Madrid Open. Their presence may also be the sole British representation at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome, where the tournament will shift to the clay courts of the Foro Italico. Raducanu, meanwhile, has resumed training and is contemplating a possible appearance at the Italian Open, with a final decision expected later in the week.
Draper’s own comeback could be slated for the grass‑court event in Stuttgart, where he captured his first ATP title earlier in 2024. That tournament kicks off on June 8, and the next week sees the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London, offering him a potential pathway back into competitive play before Wimbledon.
The broader context underscores how injuries can dramatically alter a player's trajectory, especially in a sport as physically demanding as tennis. Draper’s careful approach—prioritising full rehabilitation over a rushed return—reflects a growing awareness among athletes and their support teams that long‑term health often outweighs short‑term gains. By allowing his knee to heal properly and gradually rebuilding his conditioning, he aims to return stronger and more resilient, capable of competing at the highest level without the lingering risk of re‑injury. Fans can stay updated on Draper’s progress and the latest tennis news through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including WhatsApp updates, the Sky Sports app, and live streaming options such as NOW.
The network continues to provide extensive coverage of ATP and WTA events, offering viewers access to live matches, highlights, and in‑depth analysis throughout the season. In summary, Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the French Open is a significant disappointment for both the player and British tennis supporters, but it also represents a prudent decision aimed at safeguarding his future on the tour. With a strategic focus on recovery and a potential return on the grass courts of Stuttgart and Queen’s Club, Draper hopes to rebuild his form and re‑establish himself as a contender for the sport’s biggest stages later in the year.