Jack Draper will miss the 2026 Australian Open as he continues to struggle with a left arm injury that has kept him sidelined since Wimbledon in July. The news comes as a major blow to the British player, who had been showing strong form before the setback.

The injury timeline

Draper’s injury first flared up during the summer, forcing him to withdraw from competition and halting his momentum on the ATP Tour. Despite months of rehabilitation, the problem has not healed sufficiently to allow him to return to the court. His absence from the Australian Open highlights the severity of the issue and raises concerns about his long-term fitness.

Impact on career trajectory

The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating given Draper’s rise in the rankings and his growing reputation as one of Britain’s brightest tennis prospects. His performances earlier in the season had positioned him as a player capable of challenging at the highest level. Missing a Grand Slam at the start of the year delays his opportunity to build on that progress.

Draper and his team will now focus on recovery and ensuring he can return to competition later in the season. The priority remains resolving the injury fully rather than risking further setbacks. His absence from Melbourne is a reminder of how quickly momentum can be lost in professional tennis, where fitness and consistency are crucial to success.

The hope among British tennis fans is that Draper can recover in time to rejoin the tour and continue his ascent once his arm is fully healed.