The start of the new tennis season is usually synonymous with excitement, a return to the courts and the first signs of who is in good shape for the big event in January. However, in the case of Jack Draper, the pre-season is raising more questions than answers. The young British star, who is expected to be one of the leading figures in world tennis in the coming years, is once again causing concern about his fitness after pulling out of two exhibition tournaments, a move that raises doubts about his presence and competitiveness at the Australian Open.
Draper has been struggling for months. The Briton had to cut his season short after suffering a bone oedema in his left arm, an injury that began to seriously affect his performance from Roland Garros onwards. From Paris onwards, his tennis lost freshness, power and continuity, to the point of forcing him to prioritise recovery over competition. The last quarter of the year was completely blank, with the clear objective of reaching the beginning of 2026 in full physical condition.
The planning seemed logical and prudent. Rest, specific work and a progressive return to competition through exhibition tournaments, which are usual at this time of year to recover sensations without the pressure of the ATP circuit. However, the reality has been quite different. Draper withdrew two weeks ago from the UTS in London, a high-profile media event, and has now announced his last-minute withdrawal from an exhibition tournament in Macau, scheduled for December 27 and 28. Two consecutive absences that have not gone unnoticed.
A Sea of Doubts
The player’s camp has not offered a detailed medical report, which further fuels the concern. Officially, it is a precautionary measure, a way of not forcing too early an area that has given problems for much of the year.
Draper’s case is particularly worrying because it is not the first time that his progression has been hampered by injuries. At 23 years of age, the Briton has shown enormous potential. However, his medical history is beginning to be a factor to consider in his development as an elite tennis player.
The Australian Open is already on the horizon as an unknown. With just a few weeks to go before the first Grand Slam of the year, the lack of competitive match practice is an added problem. Melbourne demands rhythm, physical endurance and the ability to withstand long matches in extreme heat conditions. Arriving without minutes on court and with doubts in his left arm could be a dangerous combination for Draper, both in terms of performance and risk of relapse.
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