Jack Draper’s return to tennis has been in the works for months now, with the British number one extending his absence with a string of withdrawals.
Draper pulled out of the United Cup and the Australian Open due to his ongoing issues with bone bruising in his arm.
Before that, the star was set to play the UTS Grand Finals in London in December, but he also decided to continue his recovery ahead of the brand-new season.
Having not played since the US Open in September, Draper has now been confirmed for another event after the Australian Open.
Jack Draper named in Great Britain’s Davis Cup squad
Great Britain’s captain Leon Smith has named the strongest team possible for his side’s Davis Cup tie with Norway on 5th and 6th February.
Draper, Cameron Norrie, Jacob Fearnley, Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash have been announced for the first round clash.
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Speaking about his team decision, Smith revealed: “It’s great to be putting forward our strongest team for February’s Qualifier tie with our top 3 ranked singles players and the current No.1 ranked doubles team in the world.
“We know we need a strong squad to face a high quality Norway team at home but we’re all looking forward to the challenge in Oslo.”
Great Britain’s last Davis Cup tie, against Poland, did not feature Draper. Norrie starred for his nation to confirm their place in the top division.
Jack Draper is in line for an extremely tough return to tennis
Draper’s withdrawal from the Australian Open led many to believe that the British star might not want to play best-of-five-set matches so soon after his return.
However, his return at the Davis Cup could not be tougher as he will likely have to play three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud.
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Ruud began the year by representing Norway in the United Cup, in which he defeated Alex de Minaur for the first time in his career.
The Norwegian star has beaten Draper in their only ATP Tour meeting, too, which came in the final of the Madrid Open.
Ruud defeated Draper in three sets to win the first Masters title of his career, so the British star will be in for a tough test in the Davis Cup.
