Jack Draper has secured a wild‑card invitation to compete in the National Bank Open, the premier ATP Masters 1000 event held in Montreal, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting Monday, August 3. This opportunity comes as part of a trio of final wild‑card slots awarded alongside Canadian hopefuls Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, giving Draper a valuable chance to test his form as he works his way back from a lingering left‑arm injury. The 27‑year‑old Briton, who once reached a career‑high ranking of world No. 4, has also been granted a wild‑card entry to the Cincinnati Open, slated to begin on August 13, shortly after the Montreal tournament concludes.
These wild‑cards are a clear sign that tournament organisers recognize Draper’s talent and want to support his return to the top tier of the sport despite the setbacks he has endured. Draper’s 2026 season has been marred by a series of injuries that forced him to miss all three of the year’s Grand Slam events – the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon.
His absence from these marquee tournaments has been a disappointment to fans and a significant blow to his ranking, which has slipped to No. 147 in the ATP standings. This drop means he will likely need to navigate the qualifying rounds if he hopes to compete in the US Open in September, as he will no longer receive direct entry into the main draw. The wild‑card for the National Bank Open arrived after a late withdrawal from the Washington‑based DC Open, opening a spot for Draper in the Montreal draw.
The British player, who is coached by former world No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Sir Andy Murray, has been diligent in his rehabilitation process.
He recently remarked on the challenges of the past year, saying, "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." In addition to the physical hurdles, Draper has faced mental and emotional obstacles. He explained that this is the first time he has dealt with a long‑term injury, noting, "I've never had a long‑term injury before so I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good." This optimism reflects his determination to rebuild his game and regain the confidence that once propelled him into the upper echelons of men’s tennis. Since the start of the season, Draper has participated in only five tour events, the most recent being the Eastbourne International in June.
That limited schedule underscores the severity of his health issues, which have also included knee and shoulder problems that intermittently disrupted his comeback attempts. The cumulative effect of these ailments has meant that Draper has been forced to miss the entire Grand Slam calendar, leaving his prospects for the season’s final major, the US Open, uncertain.
The National Bank Open presents a crucial platform for Draper to gauge his progress against world‑class competition. A strong performance could provide valuable ranking points and boost his confidence ahead of the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the US Open qualifying rounds.
Moreover, playing in a high‑profile event on a major broadcast network like Sky Sports offers Draper a chance to reconnect with a wider audience and demonstrate that he remains a compelling competitor despite his recent setbacks. For tennis enthusiasts, Sky Sports will be airing the Montreal matches live, and viewers can also stream the action via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app.
The network has emphasized that this season’s coverage includes more than 50 percent additional live sport at no extra cost for Sky Sports customers, ensuring fans have ample opportunity to follow Draper’s journey and the broader ATP and WTA tours. Looking ahead, Draper’s schedule after Montreal includes the Cincinnati Open, another Masters 1000 event where he has already secured a wild‑card entry. Success in Cincinnati could further improve his ranking and solidify his position for direct entry into future tournaments. However, the ultimate test will be the US Open, where he will likely need to battle through qualifying.
The pressure to perform in those early rounds will be intense, but Draper’s recent statements suggest he is mentally prepared to confront those challenges. In summary, Jack Draper’s wild‑card invitation to the National Bank Open is both a testament to his past achievements and a vital stepping stone in his recovery from a difficult injury‑laden year. While his ranking has suffered and his Grand Slam appearances have been curtailed, the support from tournament organizers, his coaching team led by Sir Andy Murray, and his own resolve provide a solid foundation for a potential resurgence. Fans can look forward to watching his matches live on Sky Sports from August 3, and the broader tennis community will be eager to see whether Draper can translate his renewed physical health into on‑court success as the season progresses toward its climax at the US Open.