In a somber and deeply concerning update that has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, Jack Draper’s longtime coach Justin Sherring delivered a heartbreaking revelation about the British No. 1’s withdrawal from the 2026 Australian Open. The 23-year-old rising star, who had been widely tipped as a dark horse contender for the title, has been forced to pull out due to a severe recurrence of a chronic left-arm injury—one that doctors now believe could sideline him for up to six months or longer.=
The announcement came during an emotional press conference held at Melbourne Park just hours after Draper officially withdrew from the main draw. Sherring, who has coached Draper since his junior days and guided him to a career-high ranking inside the top 10, appeared visibly shaken as he addressed the media.
“Everyone please pray for him,” Sherring began, his voice cracking. “I think he might have to… take an extended break—possibly the entire first half of the season. This isn’t just a flare-up. It’s a major setback. The scans showed significant tendon damage and inflammation in the left forearm and elbow. It’s the same area that’s plagued him for over a year, but this time it’s worse. Much worse.”
Draper had arrived in Australia full of optimism. After a breakthrough 2025 season that saw him reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, and finish the year ranked No. 8 in the world, many believed 2026 would be the year he finally broke through at a Grand Slam. His powerful left-handed serve, aggressive baseline game, and fearless mentality had made him one of the most exciting young talents on tour.
But the injury, which first appeared in late 2024 during a training block in Florida, has proven far more stubborn than anyone anticipated. Draper underwent surgery in early 2025 to repair a partially torn extensor tendon in his left forearm. He returned cautiously mid-season, managing to compete at a high level, but the arm never felt fully recovered. Multiple cortisone injections, PRP treatments, and intensive physiotherapy kept him on court, but the underlying issue persisted.
According to Sherring, the final straw came during a practice session two days ago. Draper felt a sharp, burning pain while serving at full power. He tried to push through one more set, but the pain became unbearable. Immediate scans in Melbourne confirmed the worst: the tendon had re-torn, this time with more extensive damage, along with severe inflammation and micro-tears in the surrounding muscles.
“The doctors are very clear,” Sherring continued. “If he plays now—even one match—he risks permanent damage. He could be looking at surgery again, or worse, never regaining full power on that left arm. We’re talking six months minimum, possibly more. Everyone close to him is devastated. Jack is devastated. But he’s putting his long-term career first, and that takes incredible courage.”
Draper himself issued a short statement later in the day through his social media: “I’m heartbroken to miss the Australian Open. This tournament means everything to me, and I was ready to fight. But health comes first. Thank you for all the support. I’ll be back stronger. Promise.”
The news has sent ripples of sympathy throughout the tennis world. Novak Djokovic, who has battled his own chronic elbow and knee issues, posted: “Jack, listen to your body. You’re young and talented. This is just a chapter. You’ll write many more.” Rafael Nadal, perhaps the ultimate authority on arm injuries in tennis, wrote: “I know exactly how hard this is. Take your time, heal properly. You’ll come back better. Sending strength.”
British tennis legend Andy Murray, who has dealt with career-threatening hip issues, added: “Gutted for Jack. He’s one of the most exciting talents we’ve produced in years. Rest up, mate. The tour needs you back at 100%.”
The ATP Tour released an official statement: “We are deeply saddened by Jack Draper’s withdrawal but fully support his decision to prioritize long-term health. Jack is a bright star for the future of men’s tennis, and we look forward to seeing him return when he is fully recovered.”
Draper’s withdrawal opens his spot in the draw to a lucky loser. He was seeded No. 8 and drawn in a potentially favorable section that avoided several top seeds until the later rounds. His absence is a major blow to the tournament’s narrative of a changing of the guard, as many saw Draper as the leading young contender alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune.
Behind the scenes, Draper’s team is already planning the rehabilitation. He will return to London for a consultation with specialist orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Wallace, who has treated several top players. The most likely path is conservative treatment first—immobilization, anti-inflammatories, and targeted therapy—followed by a reassessment in 8–12 weeks. If that fails, surgery will be required, pushing any return to the tour into the second half of 2026 at the earliest.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support. The hashtag #GetWellJack trended worldwide within hours, with thousands sharing stories of their own injuries and encouragement for the young Brit. British tennis fans, already reeling from recent retirements and injuries to other players, have rallied behind Draper with messages like “You’ve got this, Jack” and “The comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
For Draper, the road ahead is long and uncertain. He has spoken openly in the past about the mental toll of recurring injuries, the fear of never reaching his potential, and the pressure of being Britain’s great hope after Murray. Yet those who know him say he is resilient, determined, and fiercely competitive.
Sherring ended his press conference with a quiet plea: “He’s not just a player to me—he’s like a son. Please keep him in your thoughts. He’s going to need all the strength he can get.”
As the Australian Open begins tomorrow, the spotlight will shift to those who are competing. But for many, the story of Jack Draper’s withdrawal will linger—a reminder that even the brightest stars are fragile, and that sometimes the bravest decision is to step away.
Get well soon, Jack.
