British tennis star Jack Draper has confirmed his withdrawal from the French Open 2026, extending a torrid stretch of injuries that has plagued his season. The 24-year-old, currently ranked as Britain's number two, announced the news on social media, stating that his knee is on the mend but he has been advised not to play at Roland Garros.
Injury Setbacks Continue
Draper had only recently returned to the court after an earlier injury setback this year, but was forced to skip the Madrid Open due to a knee complaint. He also withdrew from the Italian Open in Rome, hoping to regain full fitness in time for the French Open. However, the 2025 Indian Wells champion has now confirmed that his entire clay season is over.
In a social media post, Draper expressed his disappointment: 'My knee is on the mend and I've started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros. As gutting as it is to miss another slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.'
Focus on Grass Court Season
Draper is now targeting a return during the grass court season, potentially at the Stuttgart Open, where he is a former champion. His only clay court appearance in 2026 ended in injury, as he retired from his first-round match at the Barcelona Open against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. That match was just his fourth ATP tournament since the 2025 US Open, where he withdrew due to an arm injury.
The knee problem marks yet another instance of Draper's body letting him down at a critical point in the tennis calendar. This will be the first Grand Slam he has missed since Wimbledon in 2023. Since turning professional, he has struggled to maintain consistent health, with the second half of 2024 being a rare exception.
By giving himself time to heal and build strength, Draper hopes to return to the form that saw him win the Indian Wells title. He added: '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.'
