Jack Draper has been forced to withdraw from the DC Open after sustaining an injury to his left arm. The 2026 season has been a particularly difficult one for the former world No.

4, who has missed all three Grand Slam events this year. His latest withdrawal comes just a day after he publicly stated that he felt "physically good". The British player, who works under the guidance of Sir Andy Murray, has seen his ranking tumble dramatically, slipping to No. 147 in the ATP standings.

This steep drop means that, should he manage to enter the US Open in September, he will most likely have to battle through the qualifying rounds rather than receiving direct entry into the main draw. During a press conference on Sunday, Draper reflected on the hardships he has endured over the past twelve months.

"I've had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it," he said. He added that this was the first time he had dealt with a long‑term injury, noting, "I feel much better than I ever have in the last year.

I feel physically really good." Draper first stepped away from the professional circuit a year ago because of the same arm problem, and since then his tournament schedule has been sporadic at best. In addition to the lingering arm issue, he has also been plagued by knee and shoulder troubles that have further hampered his comeback attempts. The cumulative effect of these setbacks has limited him to only a handful of matches over the past twelve months. Missing the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon has already cast a long shadow over Draper's 2026 campaign.

Now, with the US Open looming as the final Grand Slam of the year, his participation remains uncertain. If his arm does not recover sufficiently before the tournament, he may be forced to miss yet another major championship, a prospect that would be a significant blow to a player who once hovered near the very top of the sport.

The broader context of Draper's situation also highlights the challenges faced by players attempting to return from injury in the modern game. The physical demands of the ATP tour, combined with a packed calendar and the need to defend ranking points, mean that any extended absence can cause a rapid slide down the rankings.

For Draper, dropping from the top ten to outside the top one hundred has not only affected his tournament entry status but also his seeding, potential earnings, and sponsorship visibility. Looking ahead, Draper and his coaching team will need to devise a careful plan that balances rehabilitation with the desire to compete. This may involve a gradual re‑introduction to match play, possibly starting with lower‑tier events or Challenger tournaments to rebuild confidence and match fitness.

Such a strategy could help him regain ranking points and, over time, restore his position in the ATP hierarchy. Fans and commentators alike are watching closely, hoping that the young Brit will be able to overcome his physical setbacks and return to the form that once made him a contender for major titles. His resilience and determination will be tested as he navigates the remainder of the season, and his progress will serve as a reminder of the fine line between peak performance and injury in professional tennis. For those interested in following Draper's journey, live tennis coverage is available on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app.

These services provide access to ATP and WTA events, as well as the US Open, starting August 30. Subscribers can enjoy an expanded slate of live sport, with over 50 percent more coverage at no extra cost. More details can be found on the official Sky Sports website.