British tennis hopeful Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming 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 a few weeks later. This development represents yet another setback for the former world No. 4, who has been fighting to rebuild his career 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 spread across five different tournaments. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he retired in the opening round against Tomas Etcheverry.
Medical examinations after the Barcelona match revealed that the knee tendon injury had become aggravated. Initially, Draper had hoped to recover in time to contest the second Grand Slam of the season, but the latest advice from his medical team was clear: he should not risk playing on the demanding clay courts of Paris. In a candid 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!" The 24‑year‑old’s withdrawal is particularly painful because less than a year ago he was ranked inside the world’s top four and was viewed as a genuine contender to challenge the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles. Now, with the French Open out of reach, Draper will almost certainly find himself outside the top 100 when he eventually returns to competition.
His absence also adds to a growing list of British players who are missing the Paris tournament. Alcaraz, the reigning champion, is also out due to his own injury concerns, and other British prospects have been sidelined by various health issues. Emma Raducanu, still recovering from post‑viral symptoms that emerged in early February, remains out of the draw. Sonay Kartal announced she would miss the event after suffering a back injury at the Miami Open, while both Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have been battling fitness problems of their own.
At the Madrid Open, only Cameron Norrie—who is on track to re‑enter the world’s top 20 next month—and Katie Boulter represented Britain in the singles field. It is likely that a similarly thin British contingent will appear at the forthcoming Italian Open in Rome. Raducanu, meanwhile, has resumed training and is weighing a possible appearance at the Foro Italico, with a decision expected later this week.
Draper’s own comeback could be slated for the grass‑court tournament in Stuttgart, where he captured his first ATP title of 2024. That event kicks off on June 8, and the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London will follow the next week, offering another potential stage for his return.
Beyond the immediate impact on Draper’s schedule, his withdrawal underscores the broader challenges faced by British tennis this season. The combination of injuries and lingering health issues has left the nation’s top players scrambling to stay competitive on the international circuit. Fans hoping for a resurgence of British success at the Grand Slam level will have to wait patiently as the players focus on rehabilitation and gradual reintegration into high‑intensity competition.
For those following the developments, Sky Sports continues to provide live coverage of ATP and WTA events, with additional streaming options available through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Subscribers can enjoy over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra cost, ensuring that even while players recover, tennis enthusiasts can stay engaged with the action. In summary, Jack Draper’s decision to sit out the French Open is a prudent, albeit disappointing, move aimed at safeguarding his long‑term health and preserving his potential for future success.
By allowing his knee the necessary time to heal, he hopes to return stronger, ready to compete on the grass courts of Wimbledon and beyond. The road to recovery may be lengthy, but with careful management and continued support from his team, Draper can still aspire to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.