British tennis star Jack Draper, currently ranked world number 10, has announced he will miss the 2026 Australian Open as he continues to recover from a persistent arm injury. The 24-year-old, who has been one of Britain’s brightest tennis prospects, has faced a challenging year due to recurring discomfort in his upper left serving arm, which has sidelined him for much of the 2025 season.

Draper’s Injury Struggles

Draper revealed on social media platform X that the decision to skip the Australian Open was “one of the toughest” of his career. He described the injury as “challenging” and “complex,” emphasizing that it has prevented him from competing at his usual high level.

“Unfortunately, me and my team have decided not to head out to Australia this year,” Draper said. “It was a really, really tough decision.”

The Australian Open, held at Melbourne Park, is the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar and is scheduled to begin on 18 January 2026. Missing the tournament extends Draper’s absence from the ATP Tour to at least five months, underscoring the seriousness of his condition.

Recent Setbacks and Comebacks

Earlier in December, Draper also withdrew from the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) grand final in London, admitting that he was not fully prepared to compete.

The upper arm injury first appeared during the clay-court season in spring 2025. Despite attempting a return at the US Open in August, where he competed in mixed doubles alongside Jessica Pegula and won his first-round singles match, Draper ultimately withdrew due to persistent discomfort.

“Obviously, with Australia being a Grand Slam, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in our sport,” Draper explained. “However, I’ve had this injury for a long time. I’m at the very, very end stages of the recovery process, and stepping back into best-of-five-set tennis right now isn’t a smart decision for my career.”

Career Highlights Amid Injury

Despite his injury troubles, Draper had a remarkable start to 2025. He reached a career-high ranking of world number four in June and claimed his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, defeating Denmark’s Holger Rune in the final.

However, the ongoing arm problem has proved to be a significant setback. Tennis analysts highlight that a bruised humerus, the bone running from the shoulder to the elbow, can worsen if subjected to the torsional stress of high-level tennis, potentially leading to a stress fracture. This makes Draper’s decision to skip Melbourne a prudent one for the long-term health of his career.

Expert Analysis: Better Safe Than Sorry

BBC Sport tennis reporter Jonathan Jurejko commented on Draper’s absence:

“Missing the Australian Open highlights the severity of Draper’s injury. The left-hander has been practicing for the new season, but the physical demands of five-set Grand Slam matches remain too risky at this stage. For a young player still building durability, it’s better to prioritize recovery over immediate competition.”

Draper’s cautious approach reflects a growing trend among young athletes to manage injuries proactively, ensuring longer careers rather than risking further damage.

Looking Ahead

While Draper will miss the Australian Open, he remains committed to returning to the ATP Tour once fully recovered. In his social media post, he expressed optimism:

“Looking forward to getting back out there in 2026.”

Fans and tennis enthusiasts will be watching closely as Draper works towards regaining his form for the upcoming season, including potential appearances in Indian Wells, Miami Open, and the clay-court swing leading up to the French Open.