Jack Draper says he is feeling physically better than at any other stage during the past 12 months ahead of his return to action at an ATP 500 event in Washington.
The former world No.4 has been troubled by injury setbacks in recent times, which have resulted in him only being able to play five tournaments so far this year. Draper suffered bone bruising in his serving arm last summer and ended up missing a chunk of the Tour between 2025 and 2026. Then during this year’s European clay swing, he picked up a knee injury that sidelined him for a few more weeks.
Draper, who has won one Masters 1000 title so far in his career, looked to be getting back in shape towards the end of June after reaching the semi-finals in Eastbourne. He then travelled to Wimbledon to conduct his usual pre-tournament media commitments before withdrawing from his home Grand Slam due to a flare-up of his arm issue.
“It was really difficult to miss Wimbledon, but it was the right decision,” Draper told Sky Sports.
“I’ve had an incredibly challenging 12 months. A lot of adversity, a lot of problem-solving, a lot of pain and trying to understand that and come through it. I’ve never had a kind of long-term injury before.
“I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good. 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.”
The 24-year-old has had to make adjustments to protect his arm from feeling more discomfort in the future. He suffered a complex bone bruise and bone stress injury in his left humerus. This area is also known as the upper arm bone.
“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 at 130 miles an hour,” he explained.
“That’s my weapon, my arm. So, when that’s causing me a lot of discomfort, it’s hard to do what you want to do and to enjoy it as well.
“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 get better.”
Draper is returning to action at the Mubadala Open in Washington. It will be only his second appearance at the event, after 2022, when he reached the second round before losing to Andrey Rublev. In this year’s draw, he is unseeded and could play fifth seed Learner Tien in the second round and then potentially Taylor Fritz, whom he was scheduled to play at Wimbledon.
Among those supporting Draper on Tour is former world No.1 Andy Murray, who initially joined his team for the grass swing but their collaboration has continued.
“He’s brought a real calmness. He’s got great energy about him; I think people are seeing it now more after he’s retired, but he’s playful,” Draper said of Murray.
“He really believes in me and my tennis. Believes that I can go a long way in the sport and to have one of your biggest idols think like that is something to really be proud of and give me confidence.
“We’re on a journey together and I think there’s so many improvements in my game and so much to come.”
Draper will play Alex Michelsen in his opening match in Washington.
