Jack Draper's long-awaited return will have to wait a little longer. World no. 10 has withdrawn from the upcoming Ultimate Tennis Showdown in London, choosing caution over risk.
The Briton has not played since the US Open, and the lingering discomfort in his serving arm continues to shape the final weeks of the season. Jack hopes to fully recover by the 2026 United Cup.
A left-hander enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2025 season, lifting his first Masters 1000 crown in Indian Wells and cracking the top-4 after Roland Garros. However, after that surge, his year slowly unraveled.
A NADALESQUE SHOT FROM JACK DRAPER TO STAY ALIVE! pic.twitter.com/Ix4BGqCX3F
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) June 2, 2025
A nagging pain in his upper left arm first surfaced during the clay swing and intensified through Wimbledon, his home Major. Eventually, the setback forced him to stop serving altogether after scans revealed the extend of the issue.
Draper suffered an early Wimbledon loss to Marin Cilic and took a break until the US Open. The Briton tested his body in New York and survived a challenging first-round clash.
However, the discomfort flared again and forced him to withdrew and eventually end his season. The UTS event at home in London seemed like an ideal soft landing spot.
Jack Draper, US Open 2025© Stream screenshot
It could have provided short-format matches and a chance to rebuild rhythm in front of the home crowd. However, after several weeks of training at the National Tennis Centre, medical advise points him firmly toward rest, not competition.
Eager but realistic, Jack accepted the verdict and extended his break from tennis. His focus now shifts to January's United Cup in Perth, where he wants to compete injury-free and kick off the season on a high note.
The Australian Open comes a couple of weeks later, and the former top-4 player wants to endure the best-of-five efforts and seek a deep run. As always, the setback and delay cause frustration.
However, the bigger picture remains clear – with a prime career ahead of him, Jack chooses healing over haste. Fans will not enjoy his tennis at the Copper Box Arena this weekend.
Jack Draper, Queens 2025© Stream screenshot
Still, the decision to take more time off the court reflects maturity from a player determined to return at full power and continue where he left in the first half of 2025.
The next chapter starts in sunny Perth in January 2026, and Jack intends to start it with a body he can trust. If that happens, no one will like to see him on the other side of the net.
"I have been working hard to get ready for the UTS, but frustratingly, I'm just not quite ready. It's a tough call as I want nothing more than to compete. However, I have been advised to take more time.
Sorry to let down fans and miss out on the event," Jack Draper said.
