Jack Draper’s promising 2025 campaign unraveled abruptly after the British star suffered a damaging left-arm injury early in the season, bringing a sudden halt to what had been shaping up as a breakthrough year.
The 23-year-old began the season in sensational fashion, producing the best tennis of his career and rapidly establishing himself among the elite on the ATP Tour. Draper’s standout moment came at Indian Wells, where he captured his maiden Masters 1000 title, a victory that announced his arrival as a genuine force on the men’s circuit. He followed that success with another deep run on clay, advancing all the way to the final of the Madrid Open, further underlining his growing consistency at the highest level.
Those performances propelled Draper to a career-high world ranking of number four, marking a remarkable rise and positioning him as one of Britain’s brightest hopes heading into the latter stages of the season. Expectations were high as he prepared for the North American hard-court swing, where he was tipped to contend for further silverware and potentially challenge at the US Open.
However, momentum came to a grinding halt when Draper sustained a bruised humerus in his left arm, an injury that would soon derail his campaign. The problem forced him to withdraw from multiple tournaments across North America, significantly disrupting his schedule and limiting his ability to compete during a crucial part of the season.
Despite attempting to push through the issue, Draper’s condition worsened, culminating in his withdrawal from his second-round match at the US Open in September. The decision was a difficult one, but it ultimately highlighted the seriousness of the injury and the risks of continuing without proper recovery.
In the aftermath of the US Open setback, Draper opted to shut down his season entirely, pulling out of all remaining ATP Tour events to prioritize rehabilitation and long-term fitness. The move was seen as a precautionary step aimed at preserving his future rather than jeopardizing it through further strain.
During the off-season, Draper had been scheduled to return to action at an exhibition tournament, offering fans a glimpse of his progress ahead of the new year. However, those plans have now been shelved. Draper has officially withdrawn from the Macau Tennis Masters, an exhibition event set to take place from December 27 to 28, where he was slated to compete alongside several notable names.
He will not be alone in missing the event, as Czech prospect Jakub Mensik has also pulled out. Draper’s withdrawal was confirmed on Tuesday morning, sparking renewed concern about his physical readiness ahead of the upcoming Australian Open.
While the decision underscores ongoing caution surrounding his recovery, Draper and his team remain focused on ensuring he returns fully fit. With his rapid rise in 2025 serving as proof of his potential, the tennis world will be watching closely to see whether the British star can put injury troubles behind him and reclaim the momentum that once placed him among the game’s very best.
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