LONDON: Britain’s Jack Draper has confirmed he will miss next month’s Australian Open as he continues his recovery from a lingering injury, the world number 10 announced on Friday.
The 24-year-old was sidelined by bone bruising in his left arm, an issue that forced him to withdraw from the second round of the U.S. Open in August. Speaking in a video posted on X, Draper described the decision to skip the season’s first Grand Slam as a difficult one.
“Unfortunately, me and my team have decided not to head out to Australia this year. It’s a really, really tough decision,” said the British number one.
Draper is now targeting a return in February, with a focus on building up to the defence of his Indian Wells title in March. He admitted the setback has been the most challenging of his career but believes it has strengthened his resolve.
“This injury has been the most difficult and complex of my career,” Draper said. “It’s weird, it always seems to make me more resilient. I’m looking forward to getting back out there in 2026 and competing.”
The Australian Open gets underway in Melbourne on January 18.
