Jack Draper has secured a wild‑card invitation to compete at the National Bank Open in Montreal, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting Monday, August 3. This wild‑card slot places him alongside fellow Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, and comes as Draper continues his determined effort to return to form after a lingering left‑arm injury that has hampered his progress over the past year. In addition to the Montreal opportunity, Draper has also been granted a wild‑card entry into the upcoming Cincinnati Open, slated to begin on August 13, shortly after the conclusion of the Canadian tournament.
These invitations are significant for a player who has faced a particularly difficult 2026 season, marked by a series of injuries that forced him to miss all three Grand Slam events— the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. His absence from these marquee tournaments has not only stalled his momentum but also caused a steep drop in his ATP ranking, which now stands at No. 147. The decline in ranking means that Draper will likely need to navigate qualifying rounds if he hopes to compete in the US Open in September, as his current position does not guarantee direct entry into the main draw.
The British player, who is coached by former world No. 1 and Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray, entered the National Bank Open after a late withdrawal opened a spot in the field following this week’s DC Open in Washington. Draper’s 2026 campaign has been riddled with setbacks.
Apart from the persistent left‑arm issue, he has also battled knee and shoulder problems that have limited his ability to compete consistently. To date, he has participated in only five tour‑level events this year, his most recent appearance being at the Eastbourne tournament last month.
The combination of these physical challenges has forced him to miss a substantial portion of the season, including the three Grand Slam events that traditionally define a player’s year. Speaking before his withdrawal from the Washington event, Draper reflected on the hardships he has endured: "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 that, despite the difficulties, he feels better than he has in the past year, noting, "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." The wild‑card entries into both Montreal and Cincinnati represent crucial chances for Draper to regain competitive rhythm, earn valuable ranking points, and rebuild confidence after a prolonged period away from the sport’s biggest stages.
A strong performance at the National Bank Open could serve as a springboard toward a more stable position in the rankings, potentially easing his path into the US Open qualifying draw. For tennis fans, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the National Bank Open, with live streaming available through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app.
This service offers subscribers access to a broader array of live sporting events, reportedly increasing the amount of live sport available by more than 50 percent at no additional cost. Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. Looking ahead, Draper’s schedule after Montreal includes the Cincinnati Open, where he will again compete as a wild‑card entrant. Success in these back‑to‑back tournaments could not only improve his ranking but also serve as a vital indicator of his physical readiness ahead of the US Open.
Given his recent injuries, the British player will be closely monitored for signs of durability and form. In summary, Jack Draper’s receipt of wild‑card entries to two major North American events underscores both the challenges he has faced and the confidence tournament organizers have in his potential to rebound. While his ranking has slipped and his participation in the season’s final Grand Slam remains uncertain, these opportunities provide a vital platform for him to demonstrate resilience, regain match fitness, and perhaps re‑establish himself among the sport’s competitive ranks.