Jack Draper, the rising British tennis player and current No. 1 in the UK, has been forced to withdraw from a scheduled week of training with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz due to a hip injury. This unfortunate development comes shortly after Draper celebrated an impressive victory at the Vienna Open in October, where he claimed his first ATP 500 title. The intended training session in Spain was meant to be a stepping stone for Draper as he gears up for the upcoming season; however, he will now have to restrict his activities to indoor gym work.
Draper, currently ranked 15th in the ATP standings, is set to participate in the United Cup, a tournament commencing on December 27. However, the uncertainty of his physical condition raises questions on whether he will be able to compete. Following the United Cup, all eyes will be on the Australian Open, scheduled to start in Melbourne on January 12. Coverage of this highly anticipated event will be available on Webpressnews and discovery+.
Draper recently shared his sentiments about the injury during a charity event organized for the Alzheimer’s Society in west London. “I’ve been working incredibly hard the last couple of weeks to get myself to hopefully improve for next year,” he commented, acknowledging the hard work he’s been putting in. However, he noted experiencing a “niggle” in his hip area that prompted him to rethink his plans for training in Spain at such a high intensity with Alcaraz. “It’s not fair on him if I go, and I am not 100%,” he emphasized, further underlining the importance of being in top form before practicing with elite players.
The training opportunity with Alcaraz was one Draper had been eagerly anticipating, having previously discussed the plan with his coach, James Trotman. “To try to go out and hit with the best players in the world and get that exposure to the highest level possible on a regular basis to get prepared for the New Year,” was something he looked forward to. However, he also recognized the need to prioritize his physical well-being. “I don’t think it’s anything too serious but, because of tennis and the way it is with timelines and short turnarounds, it’s important that I look after my body,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding his health to prevent any further complications as the new season approaches.
Looking ahead, Draper expressed disappointment at the missed training opportunity but acknowledged that setbacks are part of being an athlete. “It’s obviously very disappointing that I can’t go out,” he said. “But that’s the thing in sports sometimes; you have these disappointments, little challenges, and setbacks, and you’ve got to think about how to make the most of things.” His resilience came through in his remarks as he aimed to cultivate a positive outlook during this phase of his career. “For me at this stage, what’s most important is that I can have a long career,” he added.
As for the upcoming United Cup, Draper remains non-committal about his participation. He is one of the prominent players representing Great Britain in the tournament, joining the likes of Katie Boulter. Commenting on his prospects, he remarked, “We’re going to see. I don’t know where I’m at with it right now. It’s kind of a waiting game.” He expressed a strong desire to compete but reiterated the significance of being fully fit. “What’s more in my mind is that I’m going to be able to go to Australia healthy,” he concluded, showing his commitment to ensuring he is well-prepared not just for the United Cup, but for the challenges of the season ahead.
With the Australian Open just around the corner, Draper’s situation reflects the unpredictability of sports and the importance of athlete health, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance sports professionals must maintain between ambition and well-being.
