The decision follows a difficult period for the player, who was forced to withdraw from the recent US Open. This absence meant that Draper did not participate in a single Grand Slam tournament throughout the 2026 calendar year, a significant departure from his previous trajectory.
A difficult road to recovery
Draper’s recent struggles stem from a complicated arm injury involving bone bruising, an issue that has hampered his progress for the past 12 months. Reflecting on his situation via social media, the player acknowledged the toll the injury has taken on his career and personal well-being. He noted that while the adversity has contributed to his personal growth, it has also resulted in a level of fatigue that necessitates a complete reset.
The player expressed his commitment to the sport, stating that tennis remains his primary purpose and passion. By taking this extended break, he intends to ensure he is fully prepared for a return without any lingering physical limitations. He emphasized that his priority is to be 100 percent ready to compete when he eventually steps back onto the court.
From top-five contender to injury layoff
The current situation marks a stark contrast to the form Draper displayed last summer, when he was firmly established within the world's top five. His ranking has since slipped to 143 as a result of his prolonged absences from the tour. The sequence of injuries began after Wimbledon last year, when arm problems sidelined him for seven months, interrupted only by a brief appearance at the US Open where he withdrew before his second-round match.
Although he attempted to mount a comeback earlier this year, his progress was further hindered by a knee injury in the spring that ruled him out of the French Open. A subsequent return at Eastbourne ahead of Wimbledon proved short-lived, as recurring pain in his arm forced him to miss his home Grand Slam. Following that disappointment, his condition has not improved sufficiently to allow for a return to competitive play this year.
