Jack Draper’s extended break from the ATP Tour will unfortunately continue into 2026 after the British star pulled out of two more tournaments.
Draper will not play the United Cup or the Australian Open, which will continue his time away from the game following complications with an arm injury.
Bone bruising forced him out of his match against Zizou Bergs at the US Open and he has not played since.
The British star’s return date is not currently clear, but Greg Rusedski has provided an update on Draper after watching him practise in the UK.
Greg Rusedski says Jack Draper looks ‘exceptional’, but he is worried about his serve
Rusedski has dampened fears about Draper following the British star’s withdrawal from more tournaments in 2026.
“I don’t think there are so many lefties in the top 100 in the world these days, so that is a huge advantage,” said Rusedski of Draper on Off-Court With Greg.
Who is to blame for Jack Draper’s injury issues?
“Break point, closing out the game, you get that big lefty can opener as well and you can pop it down the tee. I think that’s something he has improved over the last two years. But health is his wealth. If he is healthy consistently that is going to be the key.”
Rusedski has seen Draper preparing in the off-season up close and personal and he has relayed what he’s seen.
“I have seen him training a little bit during the off season at Wimbledon as well as the National Tennis Centre.
“The movement looks exceptional, the ground strokes he is firing but it’s the serve. Can he get that power and pace back with the bruising that he has? That is going to be a key ingredient.
“If he is healthy he is definitely competing with those guys, because from the back of the court I have seen massive improvements, trying to hang on to the baseline, on top of it a bit more, willingness to come forward a bit more.
“So he is improving his game and if he can stay healthy for a period of a year or two or three, then you put him in the mix with those top two guys.”
Draper’s return tournament could be at the Qatar Open in February, an event where he reached the final in 2025.
Jack Draper could have made a smart decision
There has been some concern for Draper following his withdrawal, which meant he would miss three tournaments he had previously signed up to.
The British player was also set to play the UTS Grand Finals in London in December, but opted out just days before.
Where will Jack Draper be ranked by the end of 2026?
Despite the concern, Draper could just be making a tactical decision regarding his health ahead of 2026.
The star will not be bothered about missing the United Cup, which is essentially an exhibition tournament with ATP points attached.
Additionally, his omission from the Australian Open could be down to fears of dropping straight into best-of-five matches.
The star is clearly close to a return, with Draper confirming he would play Australia just days before confirming his withdrawal.
Draper will likely be back in February, and only then we will know if he can return to the form we saw in the first stretch of the 2025 season.
