Jack Draper has pulled out of next week’s Monte-Carlo Masters, opting to delay the start of his clay-court season as a precaution. The British No 2 recently returned from nearly eight months out with bone bruising in his left arm and has spoken about the need to be patient in his comeback.
The 24-year-old’s decision means he will skip the clay-court opener in Monte Carlo, though it remains unclear whether he will play at his next scheduled event, the Barcelona Open, which runs from 13 to 19 April. Draper is understood to be fit, having been filmed training in London last week, but has chosen to focus on practice and physical work ahead of a busy period on clay and grass.
Draper reached the last 16 in Monte Carlo last year but joins 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic and world No 8 Taylor Fritz in withdrawing from the tournament. Since Wimbledon, Draper had played only one match before returning to action for Great Britain’s Davis Cup victory against Norway in February. He then recorded his first tour-level win in 182 days, defeating French qualifier Quentin Halys in the first round in Dubai.
He later impressed at Indian Wells, notching his first career win against Djokovic before losing to eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev. However, he was beaten in the second round of the Miami Open by Reilly Opelka. Reflecting on his comeback, Draper told Sky Sports: “It's a difficult one. Obviously I haven't played a load of tennis, it's still the very start of my comeback from my injury, so it's going to take time.”
