Jack Draper delays clay-court return with Monte Carlo withdrawal as cautious comeback continues

The 24-year-old is still managing his return after spending six months sidelined with a bruised bone in his left serving arm, an issue that derailed much of his 2025 campaign. Although he has featured in three tournaments over the past five weeks, Draper is taking a measured approach with a packed schedule still ahead.

His comeback has shown promise. After returning to action via the Davis Cup, Draper built momentum with a strong run at Indian Wells, where he reached the quarter-finals and claimed an eye-catching victory over Novak Djokovic. However, that progress stalled at the Miami Open, where he exited in his opening match against Reilly Opelka.

Despite insisting he is "feeling good" physically, Draper has acknowledged the need for patience as he rebuilds his form and fitness. Rather than risk overloading his body early in the clay swing, he will remain in London to train and continue refining his game.

The decision means he will miss the traditional curtain-raiser to the European clay season, which precedes major stops in Madrid and Rome before culminating at the French Open in early June. His next potential appearance is expected to be at the Barcelona Open, although that remains subject to his recovery progress.

Draper's absence also carries ranking implications. Now down to world No. 25 after his injury layoff, he is set to forfeit points from Monte Carlo and faces further pressure during the clay swing, where he enjoyed significant success last year. That included a runner-up finish at the Madrid Open - losing narrowly to Casper Ruud - as well as a quarter-final run in Rome and a fourth-round showing in Paris.

The Brit's cautious approach reflects a broader focus on the long season ahead, which transitions quickly from clay to grass. Draper is expected to be a key home contender at both Queen's and Wimbledon later in the year, making his long-term fitness a priority.

He is not the only high-profile withdrawal from Monte Carlo. Djokovic, a two-time champion in the Principality, has also pulled out due to a shoulder issue, while Taylor Fritz joins a growing list of absentees.

Meanwhile, Draper's absence has contributed to a shift in British tennis rankings, with Cameron Norrie reclaiming the national No. 1 spot. Norrie heads into the clay season in encouraging form after a recent quarter-final appearance at Indian Wells.

For Draper, however, the focus remains firmly internal. With eight months of the season still to play, his decision to step back from Monte Carlo underlines a commitment to building sustainably - ensuring that when he does return to full flow, he can do so without limitation.

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