Jack Draper’s absence leaves a gaping hole in British tennis, given many had heralded him as the most likely candidate to next claim a major title.
After all, whilst there is talent to be found amongst the likes of Emma Raducanu, Cam Norrie and Katie Boulter, none really feel like they are ready to challenge the sport’s very best on the biggest stages.
Jack Draper, at Indian Wells no less, more than reinforced his credentials in this department when he beat the likes of Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Joao Fonseca, Holger Rune and Carlos Alcaraz en route to his maiden Masters 1000 title.
He followed that up with another final in Madrid.
Who is to blame for Jack Draper’s injury issues?
Since then, he has shown himself more than capable of competing for the sport’s most elite honours, as a Grand Slam semi-finalist with all the tools to threaten anyone on the ATP Tour.
And yet, in the weeks to come, it is the Challenger Tour where Draper will find himself, rather than facing any of tennis’ biggest stars.
Jack Draper’s bold decision to drop down to play a Challenger Event
This will not have been an easy decision for the 24-year-old to make, and yet, it feels like the right one.
For Draper to opt to play a Challenger event during the second week of the Canadian Open and during the start of the Cincinnati Open takes incredible bravery.
Some may look upon this as an act of cowardice; if he is fit to play, then why not compete at the highest available level?
However, to get minutes in the tank at a lower level will be far more important, as he slowly builds his body back up to the required standing needed to challenge for those aforementioned elite honours. We already know that he can compete with anyone.
Draper has already admitted that desperately trying to chase Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ruined him, and it’s clear that he’s intent on not rushing anything on his new path to hopeful success.
Why Emma Raducanu could end up copying Jack Draper
It has been a tough time for British tennis recently, Arthur Fery’s fairytale run at Wimbledon aside.
After all, Draper was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon at the very last minute, just a day after Emma Raducanu had also confirmed her absence.
Although this has actually been a fine year for the latter of the two, having reached the final of two WTA events, her current injury is not a simple one.
How concerned are you about Emma Raducanu’s latest injury setback?
Raducanu confirmed a stress fracture in her lower right leg…
In fact, the projected time sidelined with a stress fracture can be anywhere from six to eight weeks, with Raducanu already missing from the Canadian and Cincinnati Open entry lists, throwing huge doubt over her summer of tennis.
When she returns, she will be without practice and likely much further down the rankings given she must defend semi-final points from Washington and Round of 32 points in both Canada and Cincinnati.
Perhaps Raducanu might take a page out of Draper’s book when she is given the all-clear and looks to re-establish herself on the tour. Gaining crucial competitive minutes could be the catalyst that allows her to finally put her physical troubles behind her and enjoy the long, healthy and successful career many had hoped for after her fairytale US Open title in 2021.
