Jack Draper has secured a wild‑card invitation to compete in the National Bank Open in Montreal, a tournament that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting Monday, August 3. This opportunity places him among a select group of players who were granted the final wild‑card slots, alongside fellow Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, as Draper continues his determined effort to return to full fitness following a lingering injury to his left arm. The former world No. 4 has also been handed a wild‑card for the upcoming Cincinnati Open, set to kick off on August 13, shortly after the conclusion of the Montreal event.
These entries are especially significant given the challenging season Draper has endured. Throughout 2026, he has been plagued by a series of setbacks that forced him to miss all three Grand Slam tournaments— the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon— and limited his participation on the ATP Tour to just a handful of events. Draper’s path to the National Bank Open was opened after a late withdrawal from this week’s DC Open in Washington, D.C.
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. This decline means that, unless his form improves dramatically, he will likely need to navigate the qualifying rounds to earn a spot in the main draw of the US Open in September, as he will not receive direct entry based on his current ranking.
In a brief statement made before his withdrawal from the Washington tournament, Draper reflected on the arduous nature of 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, for the first time in his career, he has not dealt with a long‑term injury before, and that he now feels "much better than I ever have in the last year" and "physically really good." The 2026 season has been a tumultuous one for Draper. After initially stepping away from the tour a year ago due to the left‑arm issue, his comeback has been hampered by additional problems, including knee and shoulder troubles.
These recurring ailments have restricted him to just five tour events this year, with his most recent appearance coming at the Eastbourne tournament last month. The cumulative effect of these injuries has not only kept him off the court but also raised serious doubts about his ability to compete in the final major of the calendar year, the US Open.
Despite the setbacks, Draper’s wild‑card entries into both Montreal and Cincinnati signal a vote of confidence from tournament organizers, who recognize his talent and potential to make an impact when healthy. The National Bank Open, a Masters‑1000 event, offers a valuable platform for Draper to test his recovery against some of the world’s best players. A strong performance could accelerate his climb back up the rankings and improve his chances of securing direct entry into future Grand Slam draws.
Fans can follow Draper’s progress live on Sky Sports, which will provide extensive coverage of the Montreal tournament and later the Cincinnati Open. For those who prefer streaming, the matches are also available contract‑free via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, offering Sky Sports subscribers access to more than 50 percent additional live sport this year at no extra cost.
Looking ahead, Draper’s primary focus will be on regaining match fitness and confidence. The wild‑card at the National Bank Open presents an opportunity not only to gain valuable ranking points but also to gauge his physical condition against top‑tier competition.
If he can navigate the challenges of the Montreal draw and perhaps secure a win or two, it would be a strong indicator that his recovery is on the right track. Beyond the immediate tournaments, Draper’s long‑term goal remains to re‑establish himself as a consistent presence in the upper echelons of the ATP Tour.
The support of his coach, Sir Andy Murray, and the experience he has accumulated over his career will be crucial as he works through the rehabilitation process and refines his game plan. While the road back to his former world No. 4 ranking may be steep, the combination of wild‑card opportunities, dedicated coaching, and his own determination could pave the way for a successful resurgence.
In summary, Jack Draper’s receipt of a wild‑card for the National Bank Open in Montreal, along with a subsequent invitation to the Cincinnati Open, marks a pivotal moment in a season that has been dominated by injury and recovery. The upcoming weeks will be critical as he seeks to prove his fitness, earn valuable points, and restore his standing on the ATP circuit, all while aiming to secure a spot in the US Open later this year.