British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming French Open after medical staff identified a lingering knee tendon problem. The decision also casts doubt over his ability to compete at Wimbledon, the season’s next Grand Slam, as he continues to manage his recovery.
This development represents yet another setback for the former world No. 4, who has been fighting to regain his footing after a serious arm injury that kept him sidelined for roughly eight months. Since making his return to the tour in February, Draper has been able to play only nine matches across five different events, a far cry from the schedule he once maintained. His most recent appearance ended prematurely at the Barcelona Open, where he was forced to retire in the opening round against Spain’s Tomas Etcheverry.
Subsequent medical examinations revealed that the knee tendon injury, which had been aggravated during the match, was more serious than initially thought. Draper had hoped to be fit for the second Grand Slam of the year – Roland Garros – but the advice from his doctors and physiotherapists was clear: he should not rush back onto the demanding clay courts. 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!" The 24‑year‑old’s withdrawal is particularly disheartening given his rapid rise less than a year ago, when he broke into the world’s top four and was widely regarded as a potential challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for major titles. Missing Roland Garros now puts him in the same boat as Alcaraz, who also withdrew, and makes it highly likely that Draper will slip outside the top 100 in the ATP rankings when he eventually returns to competition. Britain’s broader tennis landscape has also been plagued by injury woes this season.
Emma Raducanu remains out of action as she continues to recover from lingering post‑viral symptoms that emerged after an illness in early February. Meanwhile, rising star Sonay Kartal has already ruled herself out of the French Open after sustaining a back injury at the Miami Open. Other British players, such as Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley, are also battling fitness concerns.
The only British men who managed to appear in the singles draw at the current Madrid Open were Cameron Norrie, who is expected to climb back into the world’s top 20 next month, and Katie Boulter on the women’s side. Their presence suggests that the upcoming Italian Open in Rome may feature a similarly limited British contingent. Raducanu, however, has resumed training and could potentially line up for a match at the Foro Italico, with a final decision expected later in the week.
As for Draper, his team is exploring the possibility of a comeback on grass, perhaps at the Stuttgart tournament where he captured his first ATP title of 2024. That event kicks off on June 8, and it would give him a chance to test his knee on a faster surface before the prestigious HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London the following week.
The broader context of Draper’s injury underscores the physical toll that professional tennis can exact, especially when players attempt to return too quickly from one setback only to encounter another. Modern sports medicine emphasizes a measured approach: allowing the body to heal fully, rebuilding strength gradually, and avoiding the temptation to jump straight into the grueling five‑set matches that Grand Slam events demand. For Draper, this means focusing on low‑impact conditioning, targeted physiotherapy for his knee tendon, and perhaps a limited schedule of warm‑up tournaments on less demanding surfaces.
Fans can stay updated on Draper’s progress and other tennis news by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the network shares the latest scores, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. Those interested in streaming matches without a traditional broadcast contract can also use the NOW platform, which offers live coverage of ATP and WTA events alongside a suite of other sports content.
In summary, Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the French Open is a significant blow to his comeback aspirations, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and proper rehabilitation. With a carefully managed return plan, there is still ample opportunity for him to re‑establish himself on the tour, potentially beginning with the grass‑court swing in June. The tennis community will be watching closely, hoping that his knee recovers fully and that he can soon showcase the talent that once placed him among the sport’s elite.