Jack Draper’s injury record is a lengthy one, which makes for worrying reading given his relative youth.
With a huge frame and an unlikely play style that demands an unflinching work ethic, the former top-ranked British player is naturally at greater risk of suffering physical setbacks.
However, even he could not have predicted the nightmare he has endured over the last year or so, even if some of the best moments of his career thus far have been littered throughout such struggles.
His current issue, bone bruising in his left arm, is the latest in a long list of ailments that have prevented him from competing as regularly as he would have liked.
Fortunately, Jack Draper does seem to finally be on the mend, and has issued a hugely promising update ahead of the Washington Open.
Jack Draper says if he’s planning to change his team after his injury struggles
Speaking with Sky Sports, Draper began by assessing his current level.
Fortunately, after months of nothing but bad news, things are looking up for the former world number four.
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He admitted: “I’m very happy to be here in Washington. It was really difficult to miss Wimbledon. It was the right decision.
“I’ve had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem solving, a lot of pain, you know, and trying to understand that and come through it.
“I have never had a long-term injury before, so I feel much better than I kind of have in the last year. I feel physically really good. I was actually saying to the guys that I feel emotionally and mentally, for a long time, like, I’ve been quite tired because of the process, but I’m starting to get my energy back.
“To be honest, I feel really, really good, and I’m very proud of myself the way I’m feeling, so happy to be here.”
Then, asked whether he plans to change up his staff to combat those injury issues, Draper argued: “I’m sticking with the same people. I’m lucky I’ve got an amazing team around me.
“I think the injury I had in my arm, it’s a very, very complex injury. There’s a lot of different things to think about with a bone stress, especially in a sport where I need to hit my serve 130 miles an hour, and, you know, that’s what I do. My weapon, I’m guessing my arm.
“So when that’s causing me a lot of discomfort, it’s harder to do what you want to do and to enjoy it as well. So, I think it’s just problem-solving in ways: how can I change things? How can I adjust my rackets, my equipment? How can I recover better? How can I just do everything I can to stay healthy.”
This came after Draper stated what Andy Murray has added to his game already during his short spell as his coach.
Jack Draper could be a dangerous threat at the Washington Open
Although Draper has been dealt a really tough draw on his return to action, there’s cause for optimism ahead of this tournament.
After all, not only does he seem to be in really high spirits, but he is backing up these comments about his renewed physicality in practice too.
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Draper actually played Ben Shelton in a practice set earlier this week, winning comprehensively against the American 6-1.
As an unseeded player, the 24-year-old could quietly sweep his way through the draw and cause some serious damage to those who dare to underestimate this injury-prone star.
