Jack Draper has asked his supporters to exercise patience as he works toward a full return after being forced to withdraw from the DC Open because of an arm problem. The 23‑year‑old, who previously held a career‑high ranking of world No. 4, has not featured in any of the three Grand Slam events of the 2026 season. However, he has secured a wildcard entry into the National Bank Open in Montreal, a key stepping stone as he prepares for the US Open qualifying rounds, after his ranking slipped to No.
147. His first match back will be against Frenchman Terrance Atmane, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. The fixture was postponed to Tuesday evening after Monday’s rain delayed play in Montreal. Draper, whose coaching team now includes former world No.
1 Sir Andy Murray, is slated to compete in two more tournaments before heading to New York for the US Open qualifiers. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Draper emphasized that his rehabilitation is nearing its final stages, despite a year riddled with setbacks that limited him to just five tour events over the previous eight months. "Having Sir Andy on board has been a massive benefit for me," he said.
"He’s endured a great deal of hardship in his own career, so his experience is invaluable." He also highlighted the complexity of his injury, noting that recovery is not as straightforward as simply resting and waiting for the body to heal. "The injury I have is very complex and everyone around me is doing everything possible to keep the progress moving," Draper explained. "It’s not just a matter of ‘rest and heal up and you’ll be fine.’" Outside of tennis, Draper reported feeling positive, stating that his life off the court is going "amazingly well" and that his on‑court performance is improving. "I’m at a point now where I’m happy that I will come through this period," he added.
"It will take some time, but I’m doing all the right things and the people around me are really supporting me." Even though his ranking has fallen dramatically—down 143 spots in the last twelve months—Draper remains optimistic about a swift return to top‑form. "I’m in the best place I’ve been in the last year," he said.
"The process has been a real patience game, balancing the right training load and intensity while giving myself the time to let everything I’m doing, both on and off the court, come together." He believes that this careful approach will eventually allow him to break through again. "I’m able to progress and stay on the court. I’m getting closer to that moment and I believe that moment is now," Draper asserted. "That’s why it’s been difficult to enter tournaments and then have to pull out at the last minute, but those decisions are based on the fact that I have a long career ahead of me.
I need to test where I am." Describing his recent challenges as a "perfect storm," Draper acknowledged the convergence of injuries, ranking drops, and missed opportunities that have tested his resolve. Yet he remains determined to emerge stronger. "When I get out of this storm, I’ll push on to reach where I want to be and beyond," he declared. Looking ahead, Draper’s immediate goal is to deliver a solid performance at the National Bank Open, using the event as a springboard toward the US Open, which begins on August 30.
Fans can follow his progress live on Sky Sports or stream the matches via NOW and the Sky Sports app. As he continues his rehabilitation, Draper’s message to his supporters is clear: patience, perseverance, and a strategic approach will guide him back to the upper echelons of the sport.