Jack Draper, once hailed as a rising star in the ATP Tour, now finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with a devastating injury that has abruptly curtailed his 2025 season. After an electrifying start to the year, where he dazzled fans and critics alike with a breathtaking victory at the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, Draper climbed the rankings and solidified his status as Britain’s number one player. However, the glory was short-lived as injury woes reemerged, casting a shadow over his promising trajectory.
Following his stunning performance in March, Draper’s year took a downturn during Wimbledon, where he suffered an unceremonious exit at the hands of veteran Marin Cilic in the second round. Reports soon surfaced revealing that Draper had been battling a nagging arm injury leading up to the prestigious grass court tournament. His struggle continued as he approached the US Open, where he disclosed the nature of his condition—a bruised humerus, affecting the very arm he relies on for his powerful serves.
In a bold move, the 23-year-old chose to forgo warm-up matches before the US Open, instead opting to make his triumphant return in a revamped mixed doubles event alongside Jessica Pegula. However, observers noted that Draper seemed tentative, failing to unleash his signature sledgehammer forehand. Despite these challenges, he managed to secure an emotional victory over Federico Agustin Gomez in the singles draw, only to be met with further disappointment as he withdrew from his subsequent match against Zizou Bergs, once again plagued by arm pain.
Draper’s aspirations of qualifying for the year-end ATP Finals, which he had been eagerly anticipating, have now been shattered. In a poignant statement released on Monday, he confirmed that he has played his last competitive match of the year, expressing, “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 fulfil my potential as a player.”
This latest setback is not an isolated incident in Draper’s career; he previously missed Wimbledon in 2023 and endured significant time away from the court in 2024 due to fitness issues. Despite speculation regarding his commitment to physical preparation, one thing is clear: Draper’s work ethic is commendable. His recent bulked-up physique demonstrated the dedication he has poured into his training, striving to compete at the elite level.
As he faces an uphill battle to regain fitness, the extent of his injury raises concerns. With just one match under his belt since Wimbledon, Draper will need time to rebuild his form and fitness before the 2026 season kicks off. Adding to his woes, a staggering 700 points will drop from his ranking by year-end, likely relegating him outside the top 10 as he enters the new year.
Draper’s journey is a poignant reminder of the relentless nature of professional sports, where triumph can swiftly turn to turmoil. As fans rally behind him, the hope remains that this setback serves as a stepping stone towards a stronger comeback. The tennis world watches closely, eager to see how this young talent will rebound from adversity and reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.
