theglobalsun – Jack Draper will miss the remainder of the clay court season, including the upcoming French Open. Because of a persistent knee injury that continues to disrupt his comeback campaign.
The 24-year-old confirmed the decision after struggling with a tendon issue in his right knee. An injury that forced him to retire during his only clay court match of the season in Barcelona earlier this month.
Read More : RTX 5060 Ti 16GB eGPU Debuts with OCuLink Support
Draper had initially hoped to recover in time for Roland Garros after withdrawing from both the Madrid Open and Italian Open. However, medical advice ultimately ruled him out of returning so soon to the physical demands of five-set tennis on clay.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Draper explained that although his recovery is progressing. Rushing back too quickly could create further complications.
The latest setback adds to a difficult period for one of Britain’s brightest tennis talents. Whose career has repeatedly been interrupted by injuries despite his rapid rise through the ATP rankings.
Injury Problems Continue to Impact Career Momentum
Barcelona marked only the fourth tournament of Draper’s return after spending much of the previous year sidelined with bone bruising in his serving arm.
That injury had kept him away from regular competition since Wimbledon, aside from one appearance at the US Open.
While returning to action earlier this year, Draper showed signs that he was quickly rediscovering his best form. However, the knee issue soon became another concern.
He had visible taping on the knee during his impressive run at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this season and later withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters before experiencing more discomfort in Barcelona.
During his first-round match against Tomás Martín Etcheverry. Draper required treatment on the knee before eventually retiring midway through the deciding set.
The injury will now significantly affect his ATP ranking.
Currently ranked 28th in the world, Draper is expected to fall closer to 50th after being unable to defend points earned during last year’s clay season.
He had finished runner-up in Madrid, reached the quarter-finals in Rome. And advanced to the fourth round at Roland Garros in 2025.
Grass Court Return Remains the Main Goal
Despite missing the French Open, Draper remains hopeful of returning for the grass court season in June.
If fully fit, he could begin his comeback at Stuttgart, where he previously won the title two years ago. Before competing at Queen’s Club in London ahead of Wimbledon.
However, because of his expected ranking drop. The 2024 US Open semi-finalist is now highly unlikely to receive a seeded position at Wimbledon.
That would increase the chances of facing one of the tournament’s top players in the opening rounds.
Still, rankings and seedings appear secondary compared to Draper’s long-term physical condition.
The British player acknowledged that his training has been heavily restricted since recovering from the arm injury. Making it more difficult to rebuild fully.
Draper Still Seen as Future Top Contender
When healthy, Draper has already shown why many believe he can become one of the ATP Tour’s leading players in the coming years.
Earlier this season, he won his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and climbed as high as fourth in the world rankings.
During that tournament, he secured an impressive victory over Novak Djokovic and demonstrated the level required to compete with players such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
However, recurring injuries to his shoulder, hip, arm, and now knee continue to slow his development.
For Draper, staying healthy has become the most important challenge of his young career.
Other British Players Also Dealing With Injury Issues
Draper is not the only British player struggling physically ahead of the clay season’s biggest events.
Emma Raducanu skipped the Madrid Open while recovering from a lingering viral illness, although she has resumed training in London and remains on the entry list for the French Open.
Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal will miss the entire clay season because of a back injury.
For now, Draper’s focus will remain entirely on rehabilitation and preparing for a potential return on grass later this summer.
Although missing another Grand Slam is a major disappointment, protecting his long-term fitness may prove far more important for a player still viewed as one of Britain’s biggest hopes for the future.
