Full Breakdown
Jack Draper Withdraws from French Open Due to Knee Injury
4/30/2026, 10:16:59 PM
Immediate Withdrawal and Its Details
British No. 28 Jack Draper announced his withdrawal from Roland Garros after retiring from his first-round match at the Barcelona Open on 13 April 2024. Medical evaluation identified an aggravated tendon injury in his right knee, and doctors advised against the five-set demands of clay-court play.
Background & Context
Earlier in 2024 Draper returned from a year-long absence caused by bone bruising in his serving arm, which had sidelined him for most of the previous season. Since his February comeback he has competed in five events, logging nine matches before the Barcelona injury halted his progress.
Timeline
13 April 2024 – retirement in Barcelona; 14 April – Instagram announcement of French Open withdrawal; late April – pullout from Madrid; early May – pullout from Rome; 8 June – possible return at Stuttgart; 15 June – scheduled for Queen’s Club.
Data & Statistics
Current ATP ranking is No. 28, with a projected drop below the top 100 after forfeiting 650 points from his 2023 Madrid runner-up and additional points from Rome and Roland Garros. His season record stands at 5-4, and he holds three ATP singles titles, including Stuttgart 2024.
Why It Matters / Impact
Draper’s exit leaves Britain with only Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter in the French Open draw, reducing the nation’s Grand Slam representation. The loss also threatens his seeding at Wimbledon, potentially forcing an early encounter with a top player, and underscores the injury-plagued state of British prospects such as Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal.
Official Statements & Responses
The French Open organizers confirmed Draper’s withdrawal after his medical assessment. Draper’s Instagram post relayed the advice not to compete on clay. The ATP subsequently removed him from the entry lists for Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros. No comment from the British Lawn Tennis Association was reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My knee is on the mend and I've started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros.” — Jack Draper, Instagram
- “As gutting as it is to miss another Slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.” — Jack Draper, Instagram
- “Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I've been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again. See you soon!” — Jack Draper, Instagram
- “Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I've been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again. See you soon!” — Jack Draper, Instagram
What’s Next
If his rehabilitation proceeds as planned, Draper aims to debut at the Stuttgart Open on 8 June, followed by the Queen’s Club Championships a week later. Strong performances on grass would be crucial for rebuilding ranking points and securing a seeded position at Wimbledon.
