British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming French Open after being sidelined by a knee tendon problem. The 24‑year‑old’s withdrawal also casts doubt over his ability to compete at Wimbledon, which is only a few weeks away. This development represents yet another setback for the former world No. 4, who has been fighting to rebuild his career following a serious arm injury that kept him off the tour for almost eight months.
Since making his comeback in February, Draper has only managed to play 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 after the Barcelona match revealed that his knee tendon injury had worsened. Initially, Draper had hoped to recover in time for the second Grand Slam of the season, but the latest assessment advised against any competitive play on the demanding clay courts of Roland Garros. In a candid Instagram story, he explained: "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." He went on to note that the lingering effects of his arm injury have also limited his training capacity. "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!" he wrote. The message underscores the delicate balance Draper must strike between recovery and the desire to return to the top tier of the sport. For Draper, missing the French Open is particularly disheartening because he was once viewed as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles. Less than a year ago he was ranked inside the world’s top four, and his recent form suggested he could be a serious contender on any surface.
Now, with his knee injury forcing him out of Paris, he joins Alcaraz—who also withdrew due to a minor issue—in missing the tournament. The likely consequence is a sharp drop in the rankings; analysts predict he could fall outside the top 100 by the time he is fit to play again.
Draper’s absence is part of a broader pattern of British players struggling with injuries this season. Emma Raducanu remains out of competition as she continues to recover from post‑viral symptoms that emerged after an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already announced she will miss the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open.
Fellow British hopefuls Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have also been battling fitness problems. Only a handful of British players have been able to compete in the current Madrid Open. Cameron Norrie, who is on track to re‑enter the world’s top 20 next month, and Katie Boulter were the sole representatives in the singles draw.
Their participation may also be limited at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome, where the British contingent could be similarly thin. Raducanu, however, has resumed training and could make an appearance at the Foro Italico, with a final decision expected later in the week. Looking ahead for Draper, there is a glimmer of hope that he could return to action on grass, a surface that historically suits his aggressive baseline style. The Stuttgart Open, which kicks off on June 8, could provide an ideal low‑pressure environment for his comeback; it is the tournament where he captured his first ATP title of 2024.
Following Stuttgart, the prestigious HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London are scheduled for the week after, offering another opportunity for Draper to test his fitness on home soil before Wimbledon. While the road to full recovery may be lengthy, Draper’s determination to rebuild his game has been evident throughout his rehabilitation process. He has been gradually re‑introducing ball‑work and focusing on strengthening the muscles surrounding his knee to prevent future setbacks. Medical staff emphasize that a cautious approach is essential, especially given the physical demands of five‑set matches on slower surfaces like clay.
Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see how quickly Draper can regain his form. If he can navigate the recovery period successfully, he still possesses the talent and drive to re‑establish himself among the sport’s elite. Until then, the British tennis community must rally behind him and the other injured players, hoping that the upcoming months bring renewed health and a return to the high‑level competition they all aspire to achieve.