Full Breakdown
Jack Draper Withdraws from Queen’s Club, Sets Sights on Eastbourne Ahead of Wimbledon
6/9/2026, 8:27:57 PM
Core Event
Former British No. 1 Jack Draper announced his withdrawal from the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, opting to make his comeback at the Eastbourne International, two days before Wimbledon.
Background & Context
Draper’s 2024 season has been marred by an eight-month arm injury that kept him off the tour until mid-April, followed by a knee injury that forced his French Open exit in May. The injuries caused him to miss the Monte-Carlo Masters, Madrid Open and French Open. He ended his coaching partnership with Jamie Delgado and added former world No. 1 Andy Murray to his grass-court staff.
Official Statements & Responses
Draper told Sky Sports his recovery is progressing and that he will give himself another week before returning at Eastbourne. Tim Henman praised Murray’s experience on home grass and called the partnership a great opportunity for Draper.
Criticism & Opposition
Former British No. 8 Laura Robson warned that the “extra spotlight” and Murray’s presence could add “another layer” of pressure, noting that expectations to perform well “adds another layer” despite the coaching support.
Impact on Wimbledon Preparation
The withdrawal leaves Eastbourne as Draper’s only live grass-court test before Wimbledon, compressing his preparation window. Murray’s experience may aid performance, but heightened scrutiny could affect Draper’s confidence. A strong showing at Eastbourne could revive British hopes for a deep Wimbledon run; a poor result may dampen expectations for the nation’s top male player.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Very hard to miss one of my favourite events of the year.” — Jack Draper, player
- “[My] Recovery is going in the right direction, but I'm going to give myself one more week and aim to return at Eastbourne,” — Jack Draper, player
- “In some way it's really beneficial that Andy's in his corner but in other ways it's more pressure as well,” — Laura Robson, former player
- “ Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman said: "I was a little bit surprised that Jack and Jamie Delgado had split because they've been working together for a period of time but they haven't had a massive amount of time at tournaments.” — Tim Henman, former player
- “When I heard about Andy Murray coming in for the grasscourt season, I think that's a great opportunity for Jack with Andy's obvious experience as a player playing at home; Queen's, Wimbledon, his record speaks for itself, so definitely a good opportunity.” — Tim Henman, former player
What’s Next
Draper will compete at Eastbourne (June 27-30) as his final grass-court preparation. Observers will gauge his fitness and form ahead of Wimbledon, which begins on July 1. Ongoing monitoring of his condition and any further coaching adjustments will shape his prospects at the sport’s premier grass event.
