Jack Draper's tennis career has taken a challenging turn as he opens up about his struggles during his time away from the sport. Despite a promising start, with a breakthrough year in 2025 and a high ranking, Draper's journey has been marked by a long lay-off due to an arm injury. In an exclusive interview, he reveals the emotional toll of his absence, describing it as a 'tricky' period filled with 'dark moments' and 'tough times'.
Draper's return to the tennis court is imminent, as he prepares to compete in the Davis Cup after a six-month hiatus. The British star, who last played in the 2025 US Open, is set to face Norway in a crucial match. His comeback is highly anticipated, especially after Cameron Norrie's endorsement of his potential to revolutionize British tennis.
However, the road to recovery has not been easy. Draper admits, 'It's been tricky, with lots of dark moments and tough times, but that's the sport I signed up for.' He highlights the emotional challenges of being away from the competitive arena, missing the 'buzz of competing' and the thrill of playing in front of a crowd.
Despite the challenges, Draper remains optimistic and eager to get back to the game. He expresses his excitement about rejoining the team and the competitive spirit within it, particularly his friendship and rivalry with Jacob Fearnley, a fellow British tennis player. Draper's enthusiasm for the team environment and the support staff at the National Tennis Centre is evident, as he looks forward to reigniting his tennis career with renewed energy and determination.