Jack Draper withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters
Jack Draper has pulled out of next week’s Monte Carlo Masters as he takes a careful approach to his recovery from a bruised bone in his left serving arm, reports BritPanorama.
The 24-year-old British star has chosen not to participate in the prestigious clay-court event starting on 5 April, opting instead to remain in London to focus on his fitness and game.
This decision comes after the former world number four spent six months away from competitive tennis due to his injury. Recently, Draper has been training at the National Tennis Centre and plans to continue intensifying his preparation this week.
Since making his return, Draper has demonstrated glimpses of his best form across three tournaments in five weeks. He achieved a win in Dubai on his comeback, followed by an impressive run to the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, where he notably defeated Novak Djokovic, marking his first career victory over the 24-time major champion.
However, his performance in Miami did not meet expectations, as he was eliminated by American Reilly Opelka in the second round in a match that went to tiebreaks. “It’s still the very start of my comeback from my injury, so it’s going to take time,” Draper remarked to Sky Sports after the match.
Draper’s withdrawal from the Monte Carlo event is regarded as a precautionary measure rather than an indication of a regression in his recovery. He has been training on court and reports feeling fit.
His next target is the Barcelona Open, taking place from 13 to 19 April, providing him with a fortnight to build on his fitness and refine his game before his next competitive outing.
Notably, Draper is not alone in missing Monte Carlo, as both Djokovic and world number eight Taylor Fritz have also withdrawn from the tournament. Following Monte Carlo, the clay season remains packed, with Masters events in Madrid and Rome leading up to the French Open in early June.
Draper faces a challenging schedule ahead, with many ranking points on the line, having reached the Madrid final and the Rome quarter-finals last year, in addition to a fourth-round showing at Roland Garros.
As the backdrop shifts from clay to grass later in the season, Draper is poised to command attention at both Queen’s and Wimbledon, illustrating the journey of a player steadily reclaiming his place in elite tennis.
