Jack Draper has secured a wild‑card invitation to compete in the National Bank Open in Montreal, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting Monday, August 3. This opportunity places him among the final trio of wild‑card recipients, joining fellow Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, as Draper strives to regain form following a lingering left‑arm injury.
The former world No. 4 has also been granted a wild‑card spot for the upcoming Cincinnati Open, scheduled to commence on August 13, shortly after the Montreal tournament concludes. Draper's 2026 season has been heavily marred by injuries, causing him to miss all three Grand Slam events this year. His entry into the National Bank Open comes after a last‑minute withdrawal from the DC Open in Washington, opening a slot for him.
Coached by former champion Sir Andy Murray, the British player’s ranking has slipped to No. 147 in the ATP standings.
This decline means he will likely need to navigate the qualifying rounds if he hopes to compete at the US Open in September, as he no longer enjoys direct acceptance into the main draw. In terms of recent activity, Draper has participated in only five tour events during the current calendar year, his most recent appearance being at Eastbourne last month.
Reflecting on his withdrawal from the Washington tournament, Draper said, "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." These remarks underscore the physical and mental hurdles he has faced, including a prolonged left‑arm issue that forced him to step away from the tour for an extended period a year ago. Since his return, he has been hampered by additional setbacks, such as knee and shoulder problems, which have further disrupted his comeback.
Missing the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon has left Draper’s prospects for the final major of the season—the US Open—shrouded in uncertainty. Nevertheless, the wild‑card entry to Montreal offers a valuable platform to test his fitness and competitive edge against top‑level opposition. A strong showing could boost his confidence and possibly improve his ranking, easing his path into future events.
The National Bank Open itself is a key fixture on the ATP calendar, attracting a deep field of talent and offering significant ranking points. For Draper, the tournament represents both a chance to gauge his recovery progress and an opportunity to earn vital points that could lift him out of the lower echelons of the rankings.
His presence also adds intrigue for fans, as they watch a former top‑four player attempt to rebuild his career. Beyond the immediate tournament, Draper’s schedule includes the Cincinnati Open, another Masters 1000 event that will test his resilience on hard courts.
Success in Montreal could serve as a springboard, providing momentum heading into Cincinnati and, ultimately, the US Open. Conversely, any lingering physical issues could jeopardize his ability to compete at the highest level in the latter stages of the season. For viewers, Sky Sports will provide live coverage of the National Bank Open, with additional streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. These platforms promise enhanced accessibility, allowing fans to follow Draper’s matches and the broader tournament action without additional cost.
The broadcaster highlights that customers will enjoy over 50 percent more live sport this year, underscoring the growing emphasis on digital streaming in tennis. In summary, Jack Draper’s wild‑card entry into the National Bank Open marks a pivotal moment in a year defined by injury setbacks and recovery attempts.
While his ranking has fallen and his Grand Slam participation has been limited, the Montreal event offers a crucial opportunity to demonstrate that he can still compete at a high level. With the support of his coach Sir Andy Murray and a renewed sense of physical well‑being, Draper aims to make the most of this chance, hoping to re‑establish himself on the tour and secure a place in the upcoming US Open. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether his comeback can gain sustained traction or if further obstacles remain on the horizon.