Jack Draper’s wretched 2026 campaign has taken yet another dispiriting turn after the 24-year-old pulled out of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington on Monday owing to persistent bone bruising in his left arm.
The withdrawal came merely days after the left-hander declared he was “feeling physically good” ahead of the ATP 500 tournament.
Draper, once ranked as high as fourth in the world, has now slipped to 147th in the ATP standings. Fitness troubles have prevented him from competing at any of this season’s three Grand Slam events.
The three-time ATP Tour title winner had been scheduled to face American Alex Michelsen in the opening round. Lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald was drafted in as his replacement.
Jack Draper has pulled out of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington on Monday
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The bone bruising in his serving arm — specifically a bruised humerus — has plagued Draper for more than twelve months now.
During that period, the former British number one has managed just 14 competitive matches, with extended rest periods failing to resolve the underlying problem.
His attempted return earlier in the season was further complicated by knee tendinitis, which kept him sidelined for over two months.
Draper eventually resurfaced at Eastbourne in June, where he battled through to the semi-finals. That encouraging run, however, exacted a toll.
The arm complaint flared up once more at Wimbledon, forcing him to withdraw just a day before his first-round match — a decision he described as “devastating.” He has not featured at a major since last August’s US Open.
Shortly after the withdrawal was confirmed, Draper took to Instagram to share his frustration. “These last months have felt like nothing but adversity and setbacks,” he wrote. “Most days I’ve spent in doubt, yet hopeful that I can keep taking positive steps forward and finding ways to progress.”
Jack Draper has already missed every major this year
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He added: “Being patient with the process has been my biggest challenge, but I know I’m getting closer to where I want to be.”
The pattern of optimistic assessments followed by swift withdrawals has become a troubling hallmark of his injury struggle. Speaking at Wimbledon before that particular setback, Draper acknowledged the difficulty of managing the condition.
“It’s hard to tell when you can push and when not to push,” he said. “At the end of the day I’m playing a very aggressive sport, that you need to play through some stuff. Sometimes it’s too much. Sometimes it’s not.”
Jack Draper has been working with Andy Murray recently
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Despite the latest setback, Draper still harbours ambitions of competing at the Masters events in Montreal and Cincinnati next month, though he would require wildcards for both tournaments.
The ultimate goal remains the US Open, which gets under way on 30 August. It was at Flushing Meadows in 2024 that Draper enjoyed his finest Grand Slam performance, reaching the last four.
Given his current ranking, however, the Briton would need to navigate qualifying rounds — or secure a wildcard — simply to earn a place in the main draw.
He continues to work under the tutelage of Sir Andy Murray, who appeared to have him in promising shape during practice sessions in Washington before the arm soreness returned once more.
