Jack Draper’s troubled 2025 campaign suffered yet another blow on Monday when the British number two was compelled to withdraw from his opening encounter at the Barcelona Open.
The 24-year-old had secured the opening set against Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry before a right leg complaint brought his afternoon to a premature conclusion.
Draper attempted to continue with strapping applied beneath his right knee but ultimately conceded the match whilst trailing 4-1 in the decider.
The retirement marks a deeply frustrating setback for the former world number four, who has now dropped to 28th in the global standings.
Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from his opening match at the Barcelona Open
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GETTY
Taking to social media following his withdrawal, Draper struck a defiant tone despite the latest physical setback.
“Sad to retire in Barcelona,” the Briton wrote on Instagram. “I’ve tried hard these last months to stay positive and give my all.”
He added: “It will take time, but I will work my way out of this. Thank you for all the support throughout this process!”
The message reflects Draper’s determination to overcome what has become a persistent cycle of fitness concerns since his breakthrough onto the professional circuit in 2022.
Jack Draper has been plagued by injury issues in recent months | GETTY
Throughout his young career, the left-hander has battled problems affecting his shoulder, abdomen and now his knee.
The latest setback compounds what has been a thoroughly disrupted period for Draper, who spent six months away from competition due to bone bruising in his left humerus.
That arm complaint forced him off the tour following last year’s US Open, with the Briton only returning at February’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
His comeback gathered momentum at Indian Wells, where he produced a memorable victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic before falling to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.
Draper subsequently withdrew from Monte Carlo to protect his arm, opting instead for additional training ahead of the clay court swing.
Uncertainty now surrounds Draper’s participation at the Madrid Open, which commences on 22nd April, as well as the French Open beginning on 24th May.
His opponent Etcheverry offered warm words for the stricken Briton following their curtailed contest.
“I like how he plays, he’s a great fighter,” the Argentine remarked. “Hopefully he can recover as soon as he can to get back on tour, because the tour likes him.”
Draper has previously voiced concerns regarding the demanding nature of the ATP calendar, arguing that scheduling reforms are necessary if younger competitors are to enjoy lengthy careers at the highest level.
