Jack Draper has been granted a wild‑card slot for the upcoming National Bank Open in Montreal, a tournament that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports beginning Monday, August 3. This invitation places him among the final trio of wild‑card recipients, alongside fellow Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, as he works to regain form after a lingering injury to his left arm.
The 24‑year‑old former world No. 4 has also secured a wild‑card for the Cincinnati Open, scheduled to start on August 13, following the Montreal event. Draper’s 2026 season has been marred by a series of setbacks that forced him to miss all three Grand Slam championships— the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon— and limited his participation on the ATP Tour to just five tournaments so far. His most recent appearance came at the Eastbourne International last month.
Draper’s entry into the National Bank Open comes after a late withdrawal from the DC Open in Washington, which opened up a spot in the Montreal draw. The British player, who is coached by former world No.
1 Sir Andy Murray, has seen his ranking tumble to No. 147 in the ATP standings.
At that position, he would normally have to battle through qualifying rounds to gain entry into the US Open in September, rather than receiving direct acceptance into the main draw. In a press conference preceding his withdrawal from Washington, Draper reflected on the difficulties of the past year.
"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 endured a long‑term injury, noting a marked improvement in his physical condition.
"I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good," Draper affirmed. The arm injury that initially forced Draper out of competition a year ago has been compounded by additional knee and shoulder problems, further hampering his comeback. These health issues have limited his ability to compete consistently, and his sporadic tournament schedule has made it difficult to rebuild the momentum needed to climb back up the rankings.
Despite the challenges, the wild‑card entries for Montreal and Cincinnati represent significant opportunities for Draper to test his recovery against top‑level competition. A strong showing could accelerate his return to form and improve his ranking ahead of the US Open, where his participation now hangs in the balance.
If he fails to secure a direct spot, he will need to navigate the grueling qualifying rounds, a scenario that adds extra pressure as the season draws to a close. Fans can follow Draper’s progress live on Sky Sports, which will stream the National Bank Open and later the US Open from August 30 onward.
Sky Sports subscribers also have the option to stream matches without a contract through the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, offering access to more than 50 percent additional live sport coverage at no extra cost. The broader context of Draper’s situation highlights the physical demands of professional tennis and the fine line players walk between peak performance and injury. His journey underscores the importance of effective rehabilitation, strategic scheduling, and mental resilience. As he steps onto the court in Montreal, Draper will not only be battling opponents but also the lingering effects of a year‑long battle with his body.
Looking ahead, the British player’s performance in Montreal could set the tone for his remainder of the season. A deep run would provide valuable ranking points and confidence heading into the US Open, while an early exit might necessitate a reassessment of his recovery plan and tournament selection. Regardless of the outcome, Draper’s determination to return to the top echelons of the sport remains evident, and his fans will be watching closely as he strives to overcome adversity and re‑establish himself on the ATP Tour.