Former world number four Jack Draper confirmed on Friday that he will sit out of the Australian Open due to a lingering left arm injury, which has sidelined the Brit from tour-level competition since late August.
In a video statement shared through social media, the 24-year-old outlined: “Unfortunately, my team and I have decided not to head out to Australia this year. It’s a really, really tough decision, obviously, Australia being a Grand Slam, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in our sport.”
Addressing the injury and his recovery process, he added, “However, I’ve had this injury for a long time, I’m at the very, very end stages of the process, and to step back on court into best-of-five-set tennis so soon just doesn’t seem like a smart decision right now for me and my tennis.”
Moreover, the Indian Wells champion remarked: “I’ve obviously been through a fair amount of setbacks so far, but by far and away, this one has been the most difficult, the most challenging and the most complex one that I’ve had.”
It’s been over five months since Great Britain’s number one competed at the U.S. Open first round in August, his last appearance on tour before announcing he would miss the remainder of the 2025 season.
A challenging outcome for the three-time ATP titlist, who just the year before had shone bright in Arthur Ashe Stadium, reaching the major’s semifinals for the first time.
Early in September, he wrote: “Unfortunately, the injury to my arm is something I have to rest and means I’ll be sitting out the rest of 2025.
“It is very difficult for me to accept, as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff. However, I’ve been through this before, and I always come back stronger as I’m so motivated to fulfill my potential as a player.”
Last October, he appointed Jamie Delgado (Andy Murray’s former coach) as his new lead coach, with James Trotman remaining in the team.
After pulling out from the first Grand Slam of the new season at Melbourne Park, the player has not established a timeframe for his return to top-level competition.
Nonetheless, a potential comeback attempt could take place ahead of the BNP Paribas Open, held in March in Indian Wells, California, having 1,000 ranking points to defend as the reigning champion.