British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will miss the upcoming French Open after suffering a setback with a knee tendon problem, casting further doubt over his participation at Wimbledon. This development adds another obstacle to the former world No. 4’s quest to rebuild his career after an extensive arm injury that kept him off the tour for roughly eight months.
Since making his return to competition in February, Draper has only been able to contest nine matches across five tournaments. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he retired in the opening round against Tomas Etcheverry. Medical examinations following that match revealed an aggravated knee tendon injury, a condition that had initially been expected to heal in time for the second Grand Slam of the season. In a brief 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 statement underscores the delicate balance between recovery and the desire to compete at the highest level. The 24‑year‑old’s withdrawal is a significant disappointment, especially given that less than a year ago he was ranked among the world’s top four and was being touted as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles.
Missing Roland Garros now places him alongside Alcaraz, who also will not be in Paris, and it is highly likely that Draper will fall out of the top‑100 rankings by the time he returns to the circuit. The British tennis scene is currently grappling with a series of injury setbacks.
Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she continues to recover from post‑viral symptoms that emerged after an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already ruled herself out of the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open, while fellow Britons Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have also been battling various fitness concerns. At the Madrid Open, only Cameron Norrie—who is poised to re‑enter the world’s top 20 next month—and Katie Boulter represented Great Britain in the singles draw.
Their presence may well be mirrored at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome, where the British contingent could be similarly limited. Raducanu, meanwhile, has resumed training and could potentially appear at the Foro Italico, with a decision on her participation expected later this week. Draper’s own comeback timeline remains uncertain, but there is speculation that he might target the grass‑court event in Stuttgart, where he captured his maiden ATP title earlier in 2024. That tournament kicks off on June 8, and the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London are scheduled for the following week, offering additional opportunities for a return to form.
Beyond the immediate impact on Draper’s career, his withdrawal highlights the broader challenges athletes face when managing injuries in a sport as physically demanding as tennis. Knee tendon injuries, in particular, can be stubborn, requiring a careful regimen of physiotherapy, strength conditioning, and gradual on‑court exposure before an athlete can safely endure the rigors of five‑set matches on demanding surfaces like clay.
For fans following the story, Sky Sports provides continuous updates via its WhatsApp channel, delivering the latest news, video highlights, and expert analysis. Viewers can also stream matches without a contract through the NOW platform, and the Sky Sports app offers additional content, including live scores, upcoming match schedules, and exclusive video features. The network emphasizes the importance of using a Chrome browser for optimal video playback. In summary, Jack Draper’s decision to sit out the French Open is a prudent, albeit painful, choice aimed at safeguarding his long‑term health and performance.
While the immediate outlook may seem bleak, the extended recovery period could allow him to rebuild his physical foundation, refine his technique, and return stronger for the grass‑court season. British tennis supporters will be hoping that his rehabilitation proceeds smoothly, enabling him to re‑join the tour with renewed vigor and continue the pursuit of the major titles that once seemed within his grasp.