Jack Draper’s hiatus finally comes to an end. The British No.1, who has been off the court since injuring his shoulder ahead of the 2025 US Open, is set to return. During his time away, Draper focused on recovery, withdrawing from the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in December and the Australian Open in January.
Struggles during recovery
Draper opened up about the mental challenges he faced while sidelined. “[It’s] been a long time since I’ve been able to compete. I’ve stayed in a good place, although it’s been tricky next to a lot of dark moments and a lot of tough times, but that’s the sport I signed up for,” he told the LTA website. “I’m happy to be back playing again. I miss the buzz of competing. I’ve missed the thrill of playing in front of people, against great players, and that winning feeling you can’t replicate in training,” he said.
Return to competition
Currently in Oslo, Draper is set to compete for Great Britain in the Davis Cup first-round qualifier against Norway. Since his injury, he has dropped to No.13 in the ATP rankings, a setback after winning Indian Wells in 2025 and reaching a career-high of No.4. “It’s going to feel great to get back out there again,” he added.
Injury history
The 24-year-old has dealt with recurring health issues throughout his career, from heat-related illness and muscle problems to shoulder injuries that sidelined him in 2023. More recently, an abdominal issue followed by another shoulder injury forced him out of key parts of the season. Last year, a bruised bone in his left arm kept him out since August after advancing past the first round of the US Open.
Confidence in his comeback
Despite the setbacks, Draper remains confident in his form. “Who knows, it might be straight away. I believe I’m a better player than I was six months ago from all the things I’ve been doing, I just need match play,” he told Sky Sports. “Tennis is a confidence sport. It’s a sport where you play better the more you compete. And so it might take me a bit of time to get back into it. But I feel really confident, it’s just making sure this injury gets behind me, and then I can progress strongly,” he commented.
Looking ahead
Before his injury, Draper had enjoyed a breakout season, winning three ATP titles including Indian Wells and reaching the semifinals of the 2024 US Open. Now, he prepares to face world No.329 Viktor Durasovic in his first match back, hoping to regain momentum and continue his rise in the tennis world.
Jack Draper in 2026
Currently the world no.13, the Brit played his last match on the 6th of February when he beat world no.313 Viktor Durasovic 6-2 6-2 in the Rubber 1 of the Davis Cup (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Brit has managed to achieve a composed 1-0 match record.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 27th of October.
