After six months out with an injury, Jack Draper is set to return to action at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The British star has only played one match this year, at the Davis Cup, but he has not played competitive singles action since the 2025 US Open.
Draper has his eyes set on big prizes following his return to tennis, where he is expected to play in Dubai and the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
After being drawn against a qualifier or lucky loser in the first round, Draper’s first opponent has now been confirmed.
Jack Draper’s first round opponent revealed
Quentin Halys has been placed against Draper in the first round after qualifying for the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Frenchman beat Christopher O’Connell and Alexander Shevchenko to earn his place in the main draw against Draper.
Who is to blame for Jack Draper’s injury issues?
Draper and Halys are yet to play on the ATP Tour, but the pair have played twice in qualifying and Challenger matches.
The British star holds a 100% record against Halys, having beaten him in the Canadian Open qualifying and the Forli 4 in 2022.
Halys is currently ranked World No. 68 on the ATP, so he will provide a decent challenge for Draper on his return.
The winner of the tie will play either Fabian Maroszan or Arthur Rinderknech in the second round of the ATP 500 event.
Jack Draper receives top billing in Dubai
Draper is still World No. 15 on the ATP rankings despite his six-month lay-off and he’s without a doubt one of the biggest draws in tennis still.
It’s a testament to Draper’s star power that his match with Halys has been put on last on the main court of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Where will Jack Draper be ranked by the end of 2026?
Draper will play after matches from Stan Wawrinka and Felix Auger-Aliassime as he prepares to return to the sport.
The British number one has never played the event in Dubai, so he will be making career history no matter the result.
That also means he will not be defending any ranking points, which could help him start his ascent back up the rankings.
