Jack Draper reveals 'it will take time' to bounce back from new injury after retiring from Barcelona Open
Jack Draper reassures fans he will be back after having to retire from the Barcelona Open with a knee injury; the British number two has previously been critical of the Tour's intensity, length, and scheduling, urging for changes to be made
Tuesday 14 April 2026 11:15, UK
Following his retirement from the Barcelona Open in the first round due to another injury, Jack Draper has assured fans he will be back but that "it will take time".
The British number two had taken the first set against Tomas Martin Etcheverry before difficulty with his knee forced him to retire less than two months after his return to the ATP Tour having been sidelined with an injury the second half of last year.
Since his breakthrough in 2022, Draper has been plagued with a constant rotation of injuries including to his shoulder, abdomen and, most recently, his knee.
- Latest tennis scores, results and upcoming matches
- Download Sky Sports app for analysis, news and video
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free
"Sad to retire in Barcelona," Draper said on Instagram. "I've tried hard these last months to stay positive and give my all.
"It will take time, but I will work my way out of this.
"Thank you for all the support throughout this process!"
His 2025 season was severely overshadowed by a left arm injury that forced him to step back from the court following his early exit from Wimbledon.
Two months later at the US Open, he made his return, but despite a win in the first round, Draper had to withdraw due to the same left arm injury flaring up.
That ended his 2025 season with the Briton not returning to the Tour until the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February where he was knocked out in the round of 16.
However, his start to the 2025 season had fuelled Draper's desire to return after he took the Indian Wells title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final to do so, and made the final at the Doha ATP 500 and Madrid Open.
But after just four Tour appearances, Draper has found himself with another setback and doubts over whether he will be fit for the Madrid Open from April 22.
Draper, amongst other players, has also previously been critical of the intensity of the ATP Tour, insisting that the scheduling needs to be reconsidered if young players are to have long careers.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
