Jack Draper was left in tears after his defeat to France's Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open, a match that highlighted the resurfacing of a lingering arm injury that has plagued his comeback. The 24‑year‑old Brit, who was playing only his sixth tournament of the season and his first since withdrawing from Wimbledon, fell 6‑3, 2‑6, 6‑2 to Atmane, a result that not only ended his run but also exposed the physical and emotional toll of his ongoing health issues.
From the outset, Draper looked rusty, struggling to find his rhythm on the hard courts of Montreal. After a shaky first set that saw him lose 6‑3, he appeared to rally in the second, unleashing a series of aggressive groundstrokes and powerful serves that allowed him to dominate the set 6‑2.
For a moment it seemed the British youngster might have turned the tide, showcasing the form that had propelled him to a career‑high world No. 4 ranking in June 2025 and positioned him as a credible challenger to the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
However, the momentum was short‑lived. In the deciding set, Draper's power noticeably faded. The speed on his serve dropped dramatically, and his groundstrokes lost their usual bite.
When the score slipped to 4‑1 in Atmane's favour, Draper sat down on the court and broke down in uncontrollable tears during the changeover. The sight of a young champion, bent over and sobbing, struck a chord with the broadcast team and the audience alike. Sky Sports commentator Annabel Croft described the scene as "very upsetting," noting that Draper was visibly overwhelmed by pain and frustration. Despite the emotional outburst, Draper fought on.
He managed to carve out a break point and held his own serve with renewed determination, but Atmane ultimately sealed the victory after an hour and 52 minutes of play. The loss not only adds a blemish to Draper's otherwise promising season but also raises fresh concerns about his ability to compete in upcoming events such as the Cincinnati Open, where he holds a wild‑card entry, and the US Open later this month. The underlying issue appears to be a bone bruise in Draper's left arm, an injury that first manifested earlier in the year and has since been a persistent obstacle. The bruise limits his capacity to generate the same serve velocity and groundstroke power that have been hallmarks of his game.
While Draper has made strides in his recovery, the Montreal match suggested that the injury may have flared up again, forcing him to play with a compromised swing and reduced confidence. Draper's coaching situation has also evolved. Former world No.
1 Andy Murray joined his support team in May, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Montreal was only the second tournament in which Draper could compete under Murray's guidance, and the early stage of their partnership may have contributed to the emotional intensity displayed on court. Both player and coach will now have to assess the severity of the arm issue and decide whether to push forward or prioritize long‑term health.
The British contingent, however, had other reasons for optimism. Fellow countryman Jacob Fearnley secured a straight‑sets victory over veteran Adrian Mannarino, 7‑6(4), 6‑4, earning a place in the next round where he will face 13th seed Jakub Mensik. Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie continued his campaign with a win over 29th seed Ignacio Buse, keeping British hopes alive in the tournament.
The injury narrative extended beyond Draper. Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open due to a lingering right‑wrist problem, casting doubt on his readiness to defend his US Open title. Alcaraz, still ranked world No.
2 despite not having played competitively since April, missed the French Open and Wimbledon because of the same issue, underscoring how injuries can abruptly alter the landscape of the ATP Tour. Looking ahead, Draper faces a pivotal crossroads. Medical staff will likely conduct thorough scans to determine the extent of the bone bruise and whether additional rest or targeted physiotherapy is required. If cleared, he may still have to adjust his game plan, perhaps relying more on tactical variety and less on raw power until his arm fully recovers.
The mental aspect cannot be overlooked; the emotional display in Montreal revealed a vulnerable side that could either motivate a stronger comeback or hinder performance if not managed properly. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the next weeks unfold. The National Bank Open, which hosts the WTA Tour in Toronto and the ATP Tour in Montreal, will continue to provide high‑level tennis action, with live coverage available on Sky Sports, the NOW streaming service, and the Sky Sports app.
For Draper, the journey back to peak form may be longer than anticipated, but his talent and determination suggest that, with proper care and support, he could once again contend with the sport's elite.