British No. 1 Jack Draper has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open, dealing a significant blow to his season before it has even begun. The 24-year-old, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, just announced that he is not yet ready for Grand Slam competition as he continues to recover from a “complex” and persistent arm injury.
The news marks a disappointing continuation of the physical struggles that have sidelined the Briton since August. Draper, who enjoyed a huge rise in early 2025, including a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, has played just one tour-level match since Wimbledon.
A Smart But “Tough” Decision
In a video shared on social media, Draper revealed that while he is entering the final stages of his rehabilitation, the prospect of best-of-five-set matches in the Melbourne heat came too soon.
“To step back on court into best-of-five-set tennis so soon just doesn’t seem like the smart decision right now for me and my tennis,” Draper said. “I’ve had this injury for a long time… by far and away this one has been the most difficult, most complex one that I’ve had.”
The injury, identified as bone bruising in his left arm, forced him to retire from the US Open in late 2025 and eventually ended his season prematurely. Despite hopes that a long off-season would facilitate a return for the United Cup and the Australian Open, Draper’s team has opted for caution to protect his long-term career.
— jack draper (@jackdraper0) December 26, 2025
Draper’s 2025 Season: A Tale of Two Halves
Before the injury, 2025 was shaping up to be Draper’s breakthrough year. His performance on the court showed he belongs among the top tennis players on tour, but his body once again seem to be his toughest opponent.
Looking Ahead
Draper recently hired former Andy Murray coach Jamie Delgado as his new lead coach and he is now expected to target a return to the ATP Tour in February, with his primary goal being the defense of his title at Indian Wells in March. His absence in Australia leaves Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley as the primary torchbearers for British tennis in the men’s singles draw.