Jack Draper Withdraws from French Open with Knee Injury
British tennis player Jack Draper has been forced to withdraw from the French Open due to a knee injury. This setback follows a prolonged arm injury that sidelined the former world No 4 for nearly eight months.
Since his return to competition in February, Draper has participated in only nine matches across five tournaments. Earlier this month, he retired during his first-round match against Tomás Martín Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open. Subsequent medical evaluation revealed an aggravated knee tendon injury.
Draper initially hoped to recover in time for the second Grand Slam of the year. However, he has now chosen not to subject his body to the physical demands of best-of-five-set matches on clay courts. Instead, he will concentrate on rehabilitation to prepare for the upcoming grass-court season.
"My knee is on the mend and I’ve started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros. As gutting as it is to miss another slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five-set tennis on clay.
Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I’ve been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again. See you soon!"
This development represents another disappointment for the 24-year-old, who less than a year ago was ranked among the world’s top four players and was considered a potential contender for major titles alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Currently, Draper is unranked and is expected to fall outside the top 100 upon his return.
Impact on British Tennis Contenders
Draper’s withdrawal adds to a challenging season for British tennis. Emma Raducanu remains sidelined as she recovers from post-viral symptoms following an illness in early February. Sonay Kartal has also withdrawn from the French Open due to a back injury sustained at the Miami Open last month. Additionally, Fran Jones and Jacob Fearnley have been dealing with fitness issues.
At the ongoing Madrid Open, Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter are the only British players competing in singles. Norrie is set to re-enter the world’s top 20 rankings next month. It is anticipated that British participation may be similarly limited at the Italian Open in Rome next week.
Raducanu has resumed training and may participate in the Foro Italico tournament, with a decision expected later this week.
The French Open main draw is scheduled to begin on 24 May, with the women’s and men’s finals set for 6 and 7 June, respectively.
