British number one Jack Draper will sit out next month’s Australian Open due to a nagging arm injury.
The 24-year-old has played just one singles match since Wimbledon this summer, but was hoping to return to the tour in time for the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.
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But in a video posted on X, Draper said the injury, which ended his 2025 campaign prematurely, is one of the most “difficult” and “complex” of his career.
“Unfortunately, my team and I have decided not to go to Australia this year,” he said. “It was a really, really difficult decision.”
The Australian Open at Melbourne Park begins on January 18.
At the start of December, world number 10 Draper also withdrew of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) grand final in London, citing his frustration at not being “quite ready”.
Draper first experienced discomfort in his left upper arm during the clay court season in the spring, and while attempting to return to the US Open in late August – playing alongside Jessica Pegula in mixed doubles and winning her first round singles match – he withdrew from the tournament due to discomfort.
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He continued: “Obviously, Australia being a Grand Slam tournament, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in our sport.
“However, I have been dealing with this injury for a long time. I am in the very last stages of the (recovery) process and returning to the court so soon to play best of five sets just doesn’t seem like a wise decision for me and my tennis.
“I’ve obviously been through quite a few setbacks, but this one has been by far the hardest, most difficult and most complex I’ve had.”
Draper had strong performances during the first part of the year, reaching a career-high four in June and also earning a first title in Masters 1000 with a victory over Dane Holger Rune in the final at Indian Wells in March.
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Prevention is better than cure for Draper – analysis
Missing the Australian Open will extend Draper’s absence from the ATP Tour to five months – at least.
The move shows the seriousness of the bruised humerus on his active arm – the bone running from the shoulder to the elbow – and the need to avoid unnecessary risk.
The problem began bothering Draper during the clay court season in April, but he continued playing on grass before having the problem properly looked at following an early outing at Wimbledon.
When the left-hander returned to the US Open in August, he was optimistic that discomfort would not hold him back – then withdrew from the final major of the season before his second-round match.
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Another planned return at the recent UTS exhibition was aborted.
So it has been clear for some time that there is no simple solution to an injury of this nature.
Generally speaking, the fear of a bruised humerus is that the problem could lead to a more serious stress fracture with continued repetition and twisting stress – which tennis players clearly face.
Draper has been training for the new season, but believes the rigors of preparing for five-set matches at the season-opening Grand Slam are still beyond him.
Prevention is better than cure seems to be the mantra – which is not surprising for a young player whose lack of durability continues to hold him back.
