- British No. 1 Jack Draper announced on December 26, 2025, that he will miss the 2026 Australian Open (January 18–February 1).
- The 24-year-old is recovering from bone bruising in his left humerus, described as his most challenging injury.
- Draper has played just one singles match since Wimbledon 2025, extending his layoff to at least five months.
- He aims for a 2026 return, prioritizing full recovery over rushed best-of-five-set tennis.
Draper’s Difficult Decision
Jack Draper delivered disappointing news to fans on Boxing Day 2025, confirming his withdrawal from the Australian Open. In a heartfelt video message, the world No. 10 explained the tough call: “I’ve had this injury for a long time… stepping back into best-of-five-set tennis so soon just doesn’t seem like a smart decision.”
The bone bruising in his left humerus—serving arm—emerged during the 2025 clay season. Despite pushing through grass courts and a brief US Open return (one win before withdrawal), discomfort persisted.
Draper called it “the most difficult, the most challenging, the most complex” setback of his career. Yet optimism shines: “It always seems to make me more resilient… I’m looking forward to getting back out there in 2026.”
The Injury’s Timeline and Impact
Discomfort began in spring 2025 clay events, but Draper powered on—reaching Madrid final and strong French Open/Queen’s showings.
Post-Wimbledon scan revealed severity; he rested serves for a month. US Open attempt (first-round win, mixed doubles semis) ended early.
December’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown final withdrawal preceded this latest update. Practicing resumed, but Grand Slam demands proved too soon.
Risks loom: bone bruising can progress to stress fracture under repeated stress—common in serving motions.
| Jack Draper’s 2025 Highlights Before Injury |
|---|
| Career-High Ranking: No. 4 (June) |
| First Masters 1000 Title: Indian Wells (beat Holger Rune) |
| Strong Clay/Grass Runs: Madrid final, Queen’s semis |
| US Open: Brief return before withdrawal |
Looking Ahead to Draper’s Return
Draper targets February 2026 comeback, potentially defending Indian Wells title in March. This cautious approach protects long-term potential.
His 2025 breakthrough—30-9 record early on—showcased elite talent: power, variety, mentality.
Absence reshapes Australian Open draw slightly, with alternates entering.
Draper’s resilience echoes past comebacks from shoulder/abdominal issues. Fans await his return, hungry for more milestones.
Jack Draper’s Australian Open withdrawal on December 26, 2025, underscores a frustrating injury chapter for Britain’s top player. The 24-year-old’s video announcement detailed ongoing bone bruising in his left humerus, sidelining him since August’s US Open.
Early 2025 promised stardom: Indian Wells Masters triumph, career-high No. 4 ranking. Clay/grass success followed, but arm pain escalated post-Wimbledon.
US Open effort—one singles win, mixed doubles progress—proved premature. UTS final pullout signaled caution.
Draper nears rehab end but deems five-set Melbourne premature: “Smart decision” for longevity.
Medical context: humerus bruising risks stress fracture escalation without rest—repetitive serving stress amplifies danger.
Draper’s history includes 2023 shoulder (six months out) and other setbacks, yet recoveries yield peaks.
Optimism prevails: “Makes me hungrier.” February target aligns with indoor/early hard-court events.
This pause tests patience but preserves prime years. Draper’s all-court game—powerful serve, forehand aggression, net skill—positions him for Slams.
British tennis watches eagerly: Draper’s rise vital alongside Emma Raducanu’s resurgence.
Australian Open proceeds January 18–February 1, 2026, at Melbourne Park—Draper’s absence noted, but focus shifts to contenders.
Draper’s message thanks supporters, eager for 2026 competition.
