Jack Draper is back – and he’s brought a fresh new look with him.
The British number one made a triumphant return to ATP Tour action on Monday evening, defeating Frenchman Quentin Halys 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
It’s been a long road back for the 24-year-old, who hadn’t competed at tour level since last August’s US Open due to a troublesome left arm injury.
Fans couldn’t help but notice Draper’s striking new buzz cut as he stepped onto court for his Dubai debut – a bold change that perhaps signals a fresh chapter in his career.
Jack Draper had to battle for the win over Quentin Halys at the Dubai Tennis Championships
|
REUTERS
Speaking after his victory, Draper couldn’t hide his emotions about being back in the thick of things.
“It feels so good, honestly to be out here, competing in front of people,” he said.
“I suppose I’ve been craving the feeling of competing for a very long time. It felt normal, it felt like I was coming back to doing what I love, which is competing, having the adrenaline of winning and losing points.”
The Brit was quick to thank those who’d supported him through the tough times.
“A lot of people have helped me get back to this position after a lot of down moments in the last eight months, it hasn’t been easy to get back here, it’s something I can be really proud of and long may it continue.”
Jack Draper showed off a new buzzcut hair style
|
REUTERS
The match itself was far from straightforward, with Draper having to dig deep in a nervy opening set.
He found himself staring down two set points while serving at 5-4 down, but showed real grit to survive and force a tiebreak.
From 8-7 behind in that breaker, he reeled off three consecutive points to pinch it.
The second set proved more comfortable once he secured the only break of the entire contest in the fourth game, moving ahead 3-1.
From there, Draper was rock solid on serve, finishing with an impressive 86% first serve win rate and 13 aces.
Draper’s injury troubles began during the clay-court season in April, when bone bruising in his service arm started causing problems and gradually worsened.
“I’ve been craving the feeling of competing for a long time” 🕰️
Jack Draper returns to the ATP Tour with a win 💪 pic.twitter.com/rLRdxn9q58
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) February 23, 2026
The issue forced him to withdraw from the US Open after just one match and ultimately led to him sitting out January’s Australian Open to ensure a complete recovery.
It’s been quite a fall from his career-high world ranking of fourth, achieved last June – he now sits at 15th despite his lengthy absence.
Before the injury struck, Draper had enjoyed a brilliant 2025, claiming the prestigious Indian Wells Masters 1,000 title and reaching the fourth round at both the Australian and French Opens.
Jack Draper’s left arm was heavily strapped up
|
REUTERS
Next up in Dubai, he’ll face either Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan or France’s Arthur Rinderknech.
