Jack Draper has appealed to his supporters to exercise patience as he works his way back to competitive tennis after a recent arm injury forced him to withdraw from the DC Open. The 23‑year‑old, who previously reached a career‑high ranking of world No.

4, has missed all three Grand Slam events in 2026, but he has secured a wildcard entry into the National Bank Open in Montreal. This tournament serves as a stepping stone toward the US Open qualifying rounds, especially important now that his ATP ranking has slipped to No. 147. The British prospect’s first match back will be against Frenchman Terrance Atmane, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.

Originally slated for Monday, the encounter was postponed to Tuesday evening because of rain in Montreal, giving Draper a little extra time to fine‑tune his preparation. Coached by former world No.

1 Sir Andy Murray, Draper will also compete in two additional events before heading to New York for the US Open. He told Sky Sports News that his rehabilitation is nearing the final stages after a grueling year in which he managed to play only five tour‑level tournaments over an eight‑month span due to recurring injuries. "Having Sir Andy on my team has been a massive boost," Draper said. "He’s endured a lot of hardship in his own career, so his experience is invaluable to me." He emphasized that his injury is not a simple case of "rest and recover".

"The problem is very complex and the whole team is doing everything possible to keep the recovery moving forward," he explained. "It’s not just about lying down and waiting for the body to heal; there are many layers to this process." Outside of tennis, Draper reported feeling strong and confident. "Everything off the court is going great, and I’m managing the on‑court aspects well too. I’m at a point where I’m comfortable that I’ll get through this phase," he added.

"It will take time, but I’m doing the right things and I have a fantastic support network around me." Despite a dramatic fall of 143 places in the rankings over the past year, Draper remains optimistic about his long‑term prospects. "I’m in the best position I’ve been in all year," he said.

"The journey has been a real test of patience. It’s about finding the correct training load, the right intensity, and allowing everything I’m doing—both on and off the court—to click together." He believes he is approaching a breakthrough moment.

"I’m getting closer to that point, and I feel that moment is now," Draper asserted. "It’s been tough having to withdraw from tournaments at the last minute, but those decisions are made with my long‑term career in mind.

I need to know where I stand physically before I can commit fully." Describing his recent challenges as a "perfect storm," Draper reflected on the convergence of injuries, ranking decline, and limited match play. "When I finally get out of this storm, I intend to push forward and aim for the level I know I can reach—and beyond," he concluded.

Fans can follow Draper’s progress at the National Bank Open and later at the US Open, which begins on August 30. Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports, the NOW streaming platform, and the Sky Sports app, offering multiple ways for viewers to keep up with his comeback journey.

Overall, Draper’s message is one of resilience and measured optimism. While the road back to the top of the sport is undeniably steep, his commitment to a structured rehabilitation program, the guidance of a seasoned mentor like Sir Andy Murray, and the unwavering support of his fan base all point toward a hopeful return to form. The upcoming matches in Montreal will serve as a crucial barometer for his physical readiness and mental confidence, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal chapter in his young career.