Concerning injury scare for British No. 1 Jack Draper ahead of Australian Open 2025
Jack Draper's 2025 season will not start as planned after he decided to withdraw from the 2025 United Cup. The British No. 1 will not represent his nation at the tournament to nurse a hip injury.
Jack Draper finished the best season of his career, becoming the highest-ranked player in his country and winning two titles on the ATP Tour. He was expected to continue his excellent form in 2025. However, the plans have hit a snag, as the 22-year-old announced that he will not participate in the upcoming United Cup due to a hip injury.
Announcing his decision on Instagram, Draper wrote that he was advised to skip the United Cup to get fit for the Australian Open and hopes to play in Melbourne next year. The Brit and his team have decided against playing a packed schedule at the start of the year, and he will skip the 2025 Davis Cup tie against Japan, which is set to be played on January 31 and February 1.
“As I work to get on top of my hip injury and get match fit, I have unfortunately been advised not to play in the United Cup. While we are positive about competing at the Australian Open this year, I know I won’t be able to jump straight back into a packed schedule as I manage and strengthen my hip… gutted as I was really looking forward to play in the United Cup for the first time," Draper wrote.
“Together with Leon (Smith), we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out of the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan in order to give me the opportunity post Australian Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip.”
Jack Draper was scheduled to lead team Great Britain, which will include fellow British No.1 Katie Boulter, Billy Harris, Lily Miyazaki, Olivia Nicholls, and Charles Broom, at the 2024 United Cup. The tournament, which will be played from December 27 to January 5 in Perth and Sydney, will see Great Britain face Argentina and Australia.
Jack Draper will be seeded for the first time at Australian Open
Jack Draper will make his third appearance at the Australian Open next year and be seeded for the first time at the tournament. Currently ranked World No. 15, the Brit is expected to achieve big things in Melbourne after reaching his maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the 2024 US Open.
Draper was the 25th seed at the 2024 US Open and defeated Zhang Zhizhen, Facundo Diaz Acosta, Botic van de Zandschulp, Tomas Machac, and Alex de Minaur to reach the semifinals. The dream run was ended by eventual champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
The Brit could gain valuable ranking points at the 2025 Australian Open as he is only defending second-round points at the tournament. After beating Marcos Giron in the first round, Draper bowed out of the 2024 Australian Open against Tommy Paul in the second round.