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Rising British tennis star Jack Draper’s ambitions for a strong showing at the Australian Open in Melbourne have been thrown into doubt due to a lingering injury concern. Draper, 22, who has made significant strides in the ATP rankings, is reportedly battling a recurring issue that has affected his recent preparations.
The injury, which first surfaced during his 2024 preseason training, has caused him to withdraw from key warm-up tournaments. Sources close to Draper have confirmed that the setback is related to a shoulder strain that has periodically troubled him over the past year.
“I’m doing everything I can to be ready for Melbourne,” Draper said in a statement. “It’s frustrating, but my team and I are working hard to ensure I’m in the best possible condition.”
Draper’s physicality and aggressive baseline game have made him one of Britain’s brightest prospects, but injury concerns have often curtailed his momentum. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how he would fare against tennis elites in the season’s first Grand Slam, particularly after his impressive performances in late 2023.
The ATP medical team will reassess Draper’s condition in the coming days to determine his fitness level for the tournament. Meanwhile, his potential absence from Melbourne would be a significant blow for British tennis, especially with a promising draw that could have seen Draper making a deep run.
Stay tuned for updates as Jack Draper continues his recovery and evaluates his chances of competing in the Australian Open.