Jack Draper Withdraws from Australian Open 2026 Due to Arm Injury

British tennis star Jack Draper has pulled out of the Australian Open after failing to recover fully from a persistent left arm injury, dealing a blow to his preparations for the new season and disappointing fans ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.

The 22-year-old announced his withdrawal in a statement just days before the tournament, confirming that lingering issues with his left shoulder and arm have prevented him from regaining match fitness in time.

Draper has struggled with injuries throughout the second half of the season and has played only one competitive match since Wimbledon. He was forced to retire from his second-round match at the US Open in August and subsequently decided to shut down his season early to focus on recovery. His most recent completed match was a loss to Marin Čilić at Wimbledon in July.

Injury setbacks derail Melbourne plans

The arm injury, which first surfaced in 2024, has repeatedly disrupted Draper’s momentum on tour. Despite undergoing rehabilitation and intensive training in recent weeks, medical assessments concluded that competing at the Australian Open could risk aggravating the problem.

“I’m gutted to say I won’t be able to compete at the Australian Open,” Draper said in a social media post. “I’ve worked extremely hard to get back on court, but after speaking with my team and doctors, the priority has to be a full recovery. It’s a tough decision, but my health comes first.”

Impact on Draper and the tournament

Draper’s withdrawal leaves an opening in the men’s singles draw and removes one of Britain’s most promising young players from the Melbourne lineup. He had reached the second round of the Australian Open in 2024 and was widely tipped to build on his breakthrough performances from last season, which included notable wins over higher-ranked opponents.

His team has indicated that the focus will now shift entirely to rehabilitation, with a potential return later in the year, possibly during the European clay-court swing, if his recovery progresses as planned.

The Australian Open is scheduled to begin on January 18, with Draper’s absence adding to the list of injury-related withdrawals ahead of the tournament.