British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not compete at the forthcoming French Open after medical staff identified a knee tendon problem that requires further recovery. The decision also casts doubt on his ability to take part in Wimbledon, which is only a few weeks away.
This development adds another painful chapter to Draper’s attempt to rebuild his career after a serious arm injury that kept him off the tour for roughly eight months. Since his comeback in February, he has only managed to play nine matches across five tournaments, and his most recent appearance ended prematurely when he retired in the first round of the Barcelona Open against Tomas Etcheverry. Following that match, examinations revealed that his knee tendon injury had worsened. Initially, Draper had hoped to be fit in time for the second Grand Slam of the season, but the medical advice he received was clear: he should not rush back onto the demanding clay courts of Roland Garros.
He shared an update on his 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 24‑year‑old’s withdrawal is a significant setback for a player who, less than a year ago, was ranked inside the world’s top four and was widely regarded as a future challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles. Missing Roland Garros now places him alongside Alcaraz in the list of top contenders who will not be on the Parisian courts, and it is highly likely that Draper will fall outside the top 100 in the ATP rankings when he eventually returns.
The British contingent as a whole has endured a disappointing season. Emma Raducanu remains out of competition as she continues to recover from post‑viral symptoms that followed an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has already withdrawn from the French Open after suffering a back injury at the Miami Open, while fellow British players Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have also been battling fitness concerns.
Only Cameron Norrie, who is expected 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 upcoming Italian Open in Rome. Raducanu, however, has resumed training and could make an appearance at the Foro Italico, with the British No. 1 set to decide later this week whether she will compete.
Draper, on the other hand, might aim to make his comeback on grass at the Stuttgart tournament, where he captured his first title of 2024. That event kicks off on June 8, followed by the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London the next week. Beyond the immediate news, the situation highlights the broader challenges athletes face when returning from serious injuries.
Modern sports medicine emphasizes a cautious approach, especially when a player has suffered multiple setbacks in a short period. For Draper, the combination of a lingering arm issue and now a knee tendon problem means that his training schedule must be meticulously managed to avoid overloading any single body part. Gradual progression—starting with light hitting, then building to full‑court practice, and finally re‑entering competitive matches—offers the best chance of a sustainable return.
From a strategic perspective, missing the French Open could actually benefit Draper in the long run. Clay courts demand long rallies and high endurance, which can be particularly taxing on a recovering knee.
By skipping the two‑week tournament, he can focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and ensuring that his biomechanics are sound before tackling the physically demanding five‑set format of Grand Slam tennis. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how quickly Draper can regain his form on the faster grass surfaces, where his aggressive baseline game and powerful serve have previously flourished. If he can return healthy for the Stuttgart event and then perform well at Queen’s Club, he could re‑establish himself as a serious contender heading into Wimbledon.
The British tennis community remains supportive, with Sky Sports and other media outlets providing regular updates, video highlights, and analysis. Viewers can follow the latest developments via the Sky Sports app, stream matches on NOW, or stay informed through the Sky Sports WhatsApp channel for real‑time news, features, and expert commentary. In summary, Jack Draper’s withdrawal from Roland Garros is a prudent but disappointing decision driven by a knee tendon injury that has been aggravated after his recent comeback. While it temporarily stalls his Grand Slam aspirations, the careful management of his recovery could pave the way for a stronger return on grass courts later in the season, offering hope that he can once again compete at the highest level and fulfill the promise that placed him among the world’s elite just a year ago.