Jack Draper’s first clay-court match of the 2026 season did not go according to plan.
The British star was in control of his first-round match against Tomas Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open after winning the first set 6-3.
However, the Briton began to struggle with his movement soon after and called upon the assistance of a physio before the deciding set.
The physio applied tape to an area below Draper’s right knee and the 24-year-old attempted to see out the match.
Who is to blame for Jack Draper’s injury issues?
However, after being broken twice by Etcheverry in the final set, Draper called time on the match while trailing 6-3, 3-6, 1-4.
Following the contest, Draper has posted a message to his fans on social media.
Jack Draper reacts to his Barcelona Open retirement
Sad to retire in Barcelona,” Draper said in a post on Instagram.
“I’ve tried hard these last months to stay positive and give my all. It will take time but I will work my way out of this.
“Thank you for all the support throughout this process!”
The retirement represents a bitter blow for Draper, who spent the majority of last season nursing a left arm injury.
The Briton played just one competitive match between July 2025 and January 2026, eventually making his return at the Davis Cup in February.
Jack Draper’s journey since returning to competition
- Davis Cup: Draper defeats Norway’s Viktor Durasovic 6-2, 6-2
- Dubai: Draper defeats Quentin Halys before losing to Arthur Rinderknech
- Indian Wells: Draper stuns Novak Djokovic on his way to the quarter-finals, before being defeated by Daniil Medvedev
- Miami: Draper suffers a tough 6-7, 6-7 loss to American Reilly Opelka
- Barcelona: Draper retires injured against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round
He then made his ATP return at the Dubai Tennis Championships, defeating Quentin Halys before losing to Arthur Rinderknech.
Following Dubai, Draper recorded a superb victory over Novak Djokovic on his way to the Indian Wells quarter-finals – before falling at the hands of an in-form Daniil Medvedev.
In Miami, Draper was defeated by Reilly Opelka in his opening match.
Tomas Etcheverry, like British tennis fans, is hoping that Draper’s injury is not serious.
“I like how he plays. He’s a great fighter,” Etcheverry said after Monday’s contest. “Hopefully he can recover as soon as he can to get back on Tour because the Tour likes him.”
Where will Jack Draper be ranked by the end of 2026?
When could Jack Draper make his return?
Depending on the severity of the injury, Draper could make his return at the Madrid Open, which will begin on April 21.
Draper will certainly hope that he is able to recover in time. The Briton is defending 650 ATP points at the event after reaching last year’s final.
However, if he is unable to return for Madrid, the 24-year-old could return for the Italian Open.
The event, taking place in Rome, is set to run from May 6 to 17.
Last year, Draper reached the Italian Open quarter-finals before losing to Carlos Alcaraz. As a result, he is defending 200 ranking points at this year’s event.
If the injury is more severe, Draper could possibly make his return at Roland Garros.
In 2025, Draper defeated Mattia Bellucci, Gael Monfils and Joao Fonseca before losing to Alexander Bublik.
