British tennis number one Jack Draper has been captured enjoying some Nordic relaxation ahead of his highly anticipated return to competitive action this week. The 24-year-old, who has been sidelined since withdrawing from the US Open in August due to an arm injury, is currently in Oslo with the Great Britain Davis Cup team preparing for their crucial qualifying tie against Norway.
Pre-Match Relaxation in Scandinavian Style
Before the Davis Cup action commences on Thursday, Draper was seen embracing local traditions with a visit to a Norwegian outdoor sauna complex. Photographs show the Wimbledon-born athlete alongside compatriot Jacob Fearnley, with one particularly lively image capturing Draper mid-plunge into a chilly pool following his sauna session. This light-hearted moment offers a glimpse into the team's preparations as they acclimatise to Scandinavian conditions ahead of the important tie.
Fresh Ink Spotted During Downtime
While fans were delighted to see Draper looking relaxed and healthy, sharp-eyed observers on social media quickly noticed something new about the athlete's appearance. As Draper was photographed in swimming shorts during the sauna visit, a previously unseen tattoo became visible on the right side of his lower midriff. Although partially obscured by his attire, the new body artwork has sparked considerable speculation among tennis enthusiasts.
Some supporters have suggested the design might incorporate flame motifs, adding to Draper's existing collection of tattoos that includes a lightning bolt on his left arm and the phrase 'someone said' on his left bicep. This personal update comes after a challenging period for the player, who described the second half of 2025 as "extremely challenging" despite it being statistically his best career year, featuring a rise to world number four and an Indian Wells title victory.
Building Toward a Competitive Comeback
Draper's return represents a significant moment for British tennis, with the athlete expressing both optimism and realism about his comeback journey. "I think last year definitely started off amazingly well," Draper reflected recently. "The second half was extremely challenging, but I took a lot of belief and confidence from the first half of the year and what I achieved. I've kept that in mind and I want to be competing right at the top of the game."
The British number one acknowledged the difficulties ahead, stating: "It's going to be a bit of a challenge and a journey to get back to where I was, just because I've been out for such a long time. At the same time I'm constantly getting better and I'm constantly improving still. I hope I get to show that sooner more than later."
Davis Cup Challenge Awaits in Oslo
Draper's return could see him face world number twelve Casper Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist who will lead the Norwegian challenge. The British team, also featuring Cameron Norrie alongside Fearnley, faces a stern test against a Norwegian side that includes promising young talent Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, formerly the world's top junior player.
"They've obviously got a young player, (Nicolai Budkov) Kjaer, who was number one in the world juniors and playing great tennis on the tour," Draper noted about the opposition. "He'll be really tough and we all know Casper Ruud has been a top-10 player for a long time. It's going to be a great challenge for us all, but I think we're ready to embrace it and we're ready to fight for every point."
With only one victory from his four previous Davis Cup appearances, Draper appears genuinely excited about the competitive challenge ahead. His Norwegian sauna session and newly revealed tattoo might represent personal moments of relaxation and expression, but the British star's focus now firmly shifts to delivering on court as he makes his long-awaited return from injury.
