Britain's top-ranked male tennis player, Jack Draper, has confirmed he will not compete in the Australian Open next month. The world number 10 is still recovering from a persistent left arm injury that cut short his 2025 season.
A Tough Decision for the British No.1
In a video posted on social media platform X on Boxing Day, Draper revealed the difficult choice made in consultation with his team. "It's a really, really tough decision, obviously Australia being a grand slam, it's one of the biggest tournaments in our sport," the 24-year-old stated.
Draper explained that while he is in the final stages of his rehabilitation, the immediate leap into the physically demanding best-of-five-set format of a grand slam was deemed unwise. He has played only one competitive match since Wimbledon, with his campaign derailed by bone bruising in his arm.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Focus
The injury issue came to a head at the US Open in August 2025, forcing Draper to withdraw from his second-round match. This led to an early end to his season. He was scheduled for a comeback at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown grand final in London this month but opted for further recovery time on medical advice.
Describing it as the most "difficult, challenging, and complex" setback of his career, Draper struck a resilient note. "It always seems to manage to make me more resilient, to make me hungrier," he said, expressing his eagerness to return to the tour in 2026.
Looking Ahead: A Revised Comeback Schedule
By skipping the Australian Open, which begins on 18 January in Melbourne, Draper is now likely to target a return to action in February. This revised schedule would allow him time to build match fitness ahead of the defence of his prestigious Indian Wells title in early March.
His withdrawal is a significant blow to British hopes at the season's opening major but underscores a cautious, long-term approach to managing his physical health for the gruelling tennis calendar ahead.
