A Challenging Road to Recovery
Former world No 4 Jack Draper has opened up about the “perfect storm” of physical setbacks that have derailed his progress over the last year. The British tennis star, who has seen his ranking slide to No 147 following a series of injury-plagued months, is now focusing on a methodical return to the court. Having played only five tour events in the previous eight months, Draper is currently preparing for the Canadian Open in Montreal, which marks a significant step in his bid to qualify for the US Open.
The Influence of Sir Andy Murray
A critical component of Draper’s recovery process has been the appointment of three-time Grand Slam champion Sir Andy Murray to his coaching team. Draper credits Murray—a player who has navigated his own well-documented history of physical struggles—with providing essential guidance during this difficult period. “It’s been a massive benefit for me considering he’s someone who’s been through a lot of struggle in his career,” Draper noted in recent comments to Sky Sports.
Draper emphasized that his current injury is complex and not a simple matter of rest. He remains committed to a “patience game,” focusing on managing his load and intensity to ensure a sustainable comeback. Despite the frustration of having to withdraw from events like the DC Open, he views these decisions as necessary to protect his long-term career.
Stakes for the ATP Tour
Draper’s stature within the sport remains high, as evidenced by the decision of tournament organizers in Washington, Canada, and Cincinnati to grant him wild cards despite his current ranking. By securing entry into these main draws, he has effectively leapfrogged higher-ranked players, signaling that he is still viewed as a prime challenger to current stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. His upcoming campaign begins on August 2 in Montreal against Terence Atmane, a match that will serve as a bellwether for his physical readiness.