Jack Draper Exits Australian Open After Injury Setback

Jack Draper had to retire from his Australian Open fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz due to physical issues, marking another setback in his career. The 23-year-old Brit trailed 7-5, 6-1 when he decided to quit, citing the need to make a sensible decision given his ongoing battle with a hip injury. Draper started the season with a tough challenge as tendinitis in his hip flared up after his pre-season training in December. This injury hindered his preparation and left him underprepared for the Australian Open.

Despite these challenges, Draper outlasted three opponents in five-set matches to reach the fourth round, showing notable resilience. However, the injury has been a recurring issue throughout his career. Since his ATP debut in 2021, Draper has retired from eight Tour-level matches, including three at major tournaments. He is aware of his reputation but is determined not to let it define him. He stresses that he prioritizes long-term health over short-term performance.

Draper has made significant strides in improving his physical robustness by working closely with his trainer and physiotherapist. He also addressed mental challenges by consulting a “breathing coach” to manage anxiety during matches. Despite the latest setback, Draper remains optimistic about his future, believing that with the right training and smart decisions, he can achieve greater consistency and durability on the court.

He is not overly concerned about long-term damage from the hip injury, although he acknowledges that managing it will be key to his success. Jack Draper has decided to skip Britain’s Davis Cup tie and plans to resume his season at an ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, hoping to continue making progress.