Jack Draper has secured a wild‑card slot for the National Bank Open, the prestigious ATP Masters event held in Montreal, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting Monday, August 3. This invitation places him alongside fellow Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, who also received the final wild‑card places for the tournament. Draper’s inclusion comes as he continues his determined effort to return to competitive form following a lingering injury to his left arm.
The 24‑year‑old, who once reached a career‑high ranking of world No. 4, has also been granted a wild‑card for the upcoming Cincinnati Open, scheduled to commence on August 13, shortly after his appearance in Montreal.
These opportunities are particularly significant given the challenging 2026 season he has endured, marked by a series of setbacks that forced him to miss all three Grand Slam events— the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. Draper’s path to the National Bank Open was paved by a late withdrawal from the DC Open in Washington, creating an opening that the tournament organizers filled with his name.
The British player, who is coached by former world No. 1 Sir Andy Murray, has seen his ATP ranking tumble to No.
147. This drop means he will likely need to navigate the qualifying rounds if he hopes to compete in the US Open in September, as his ranking no longer guarantees direct entry into the main draw. In the limited number of matches he has managed to play this year— only five tour‑level events— Draper’s most recent appearance was at the Eastbourne International last month.
Reflecting on his arduous journey, he remarked before his withdrawal from Washington: “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 added, “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.” Draper’s comeback has been hampered not only by the left‑arm issue but also by recurring knee and shoulder problems that have intermittently disrupted his training and match play. After stepping away from the tour a year ago to address the arm injury, his participation has been sporadic, with only a handful of tournaments completed since his return. The cumulative effect of missing the three majors this season has cast doubt on his ability to qualify for the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open, which is slated to begin at the end of August.
The National Bank Open offers Draper a valuable platform to test his fitness against top‑level competition and to gain crucial ranking points that could improve his standing ahead of the US Open qualifying draw. Moreover, his wild‑card entry into Cincinnati presents another chance to demonstrate his resilience on hard courts, a surface that traditionally suits his aggressive baseline style. Fans can follow Draper’s matches live on Sky Sports, which will provide comprehensive coverage of both the Montreal and Cincinnati events. For viewers who prefer streaming, the matches are also available contract‑free via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, giving subscribers access to a broader array of live sports content at no additional cost.
While the road ahead remains uncertain, Draper’s determination to overcome a year marred by injury underscores his commitment to reclaiming his place among the elite. His partnership with Sir Andy Murray continues to be a cornerstone of his rehabilitation, offering both technical guidance and mental support. As the season progresses, the tennis community will be watching closely to see whether Draper can translate his renewed physical health into on‑court success, potentially setting the stage for a resurgence that could see him climb back up the rankings and re‑establish himself as a formidable contender on the ATP Tour.