Concerns surrounding Jack Draper’s physical condition continue to grow, casting significant uncertainty over his availability for the 2026 Australian Open. The British tennis star, currently ranked inside the world’s top ten, has yet to return to competition since his appearance at the most recent US Open, and his prolonged absence is beginning to raise alarms among fans and analysts alike.
Over the past week, doubts about Draper’s recovery have intensified following a series of withdrawals from high-profile events. Initially, the 23-year-old pulled out of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) final, an exhibition event that was expected to mark an important step in his return to match play. At the time, the decision was seen as a precautionary move, aimed at giving his body additional time to recover fully. However, optimism has since faded as Draper announced another setback in his comeback plans.
The British player has now confirmed that he will not take part in the Masters of Macau, an exhibition tournament scheduled for December 27 and 28. Draper had been one of the marquee names for the event, and his withdrawal represents a significant blow to both organizers and fans who were eager to see him back on court. While exhibition tournaments are not part of the official ATP calendar, they are often used by players returning from injury to regain rhythm, confidence, and match fitness. Draper’s absence from yet another such event suggests that his recovery may be progressing more slowly than anticipated.
Since the US Open, Draper has remained sidelined, with limited public information provided about the exact nature or severity of his physical issues. The lack of competitive play over several months has only added to speculation about his condition and whether he will be fully prepared for the demanding start of the 2026 season. For a player who has steadily climbed the rankings and established himself as one of Britain’s brightest tennis hopes, this prolonged downtime is particularly concerning.
According to his current schedule, Draper is still expected to make his official return at the 2026 United Cup, a mixed-team tournament that traditionally serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open. The event would offer him valuable match experience against top-level opponents ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year. However, given the recent string of withdrawals, his participation in the United Cup is now far from guaranteed. The latest developments have fueled uncertainty over whether he will be physically ready to compete at that level by early January.
The growing doubts surrounding Draper’s fitness inevitably extend to his prospects at the Australian Open. As one of the most physically demanding tournaments on the calendar, the Melbourne major requires players to be in peak condition. Any lingering issues or lack of match sharpness could significantly affect performance, or even force another withdrawal.
For now, Draper and his team appear focused on prioritizing long-term health over short-term appearances. While this cautious approach may prove beneficial in the long run, it leaves unanswered questions about when fans can expect to see the British star fully fit and back in competitive action. As the new season approaches, all eyes will remain on Draper’s recovery timeline and whether he can make a timely return to the court.
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