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 beginning Monday, August 3. This opportunity arrives as part of a trio of final wild‑cards awarded alongside fellow Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, giving Draper a valuable chance to test his form after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a persistent left‑arm injury. The 24‑year‑old Brit, a former world No. 4, has also been granted a wild‑card for the upcoming Cincinnati Open, scheduled to start on August 13, following the conclusion of the Montreal tournament.
These invitations reflect the tennis community’s belief that Draper still possesses the talent and determination to compete at the highest level despite a season marred by physical setbacks. Draper’s 2026 campaign has been dominated by injury woes. He missed all three Grand Slam events—the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon—after a left‑arm ailment forced him to withdraw repeatedly. The situation was further compounded by additional knee and shoulder problems that limited his ability to train and travel.
In total, he has entered only five ATP tour events this year, the most recent being the Eastbourne International in June, where he managed to play a few rounds before the lingering pain forced another early exit. His entry into the National Bank Open comes after a late withdrawal from the Washington DC Open earlier this week, opening a slot for the British player. The decision to accept the Montreal wild‑card was welcomed by Draper, who described the past twelve months as "incredibly challenging" and full of "adversity, problem‑solving, and pain." He added that, for the first time since his injury began, he feels physically stronger and more optimistic about his recovery. Coached by former world No.
1 and Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray, Draper has been working intensively on his rehabilitation program. Murray’s guidance has focused on rebuilding Draper’s confidence, refining his technique, and ensuring a gradual return to competitive play without over‑loading his arm. The partnership has also emphasized mental resilience, an essential component for a player who has missed the rhythm of the tour for an extended period. Currently, Draper’s ranking has slipped to world No.
147 on the ATP ladder. This drop means he will likely need to battle through qualifying rounds to gain entry into the main draw of the US Open in September, unless he can secure a direct acceptance through a wild‑card or a strong performance in the upcoming events. The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the calendar year, now hangs in the balance for Draper, as his recent injury history makes it uncertain whether he will be fit enough to compete. The National Bank Open presents a crucial platform for Draper to gauge his progress against top‑tier opponents.
A solid showing in Montreal could boost his confidence, improve his ranking points, and potentially earn him a wild‑card for the US Open. Moreover, the tournament offers valuable match practice on hard courts, which closely resemble the surface he will face in New York later in the season. Fans can watch Draper’s matches live on Sky Sports, which will also stream the event via its NOW service and the Sky Sports app.
The broadcaster has highlighted that subscribers will enjoy more than 50 percent additional live sport this year at no extra cost, making it an ideal time for tennis enthusiasts to tune in. In a recent press conference before his withdrawal from Washington, Draper reflected on his journey: "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.
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." These remarks underscore his determination to return to the tour with renewed vigor. Looking ahead, Draper’s schedule includes the Cincinnati Masters, another ATP 1000 event where he has already secured a wild‑card entry.
A strong performance there could further solidify his case for inclusion in the US Open field. Additionally, the British player hopes to use these high‑profile tournaments to test his recovery, fine‑tune his game, and demonstrate to the ATP and tournament directors that he remains a competitive force despite the setbacks. The broader tennis community has taken note of Draper’s resilience. Many commentators view his comeback as a testament to the importance of effective injury management and the role of experienced mentors like Sir Andy Murray in guiding young talent through difficult periods.
Should Draper manage to navigate the challenges of Montreal and Cincinnati successfully, he could re‑establish himself among the sport’s rising stars and perhaps reclaim a spot within the top 100. In summary, Jack Draper’s wild‑card invitation to the National Bank Open offers a pivotal opportunity to restart his 2026 season on a positive note.
With the support of his coaching team, the backing of tournament organizers, and the enthusiasm of his fans, Draper aims to turn a year of hardship into a platform for resurgence, hoping to finish the season on a high and secure his place at the US Open later this year.