Jack Draper, Britain’s top-ranked men’s tennis player, is set to make his long-awaited return from injury in Great Britain’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Norway, scheduled for 5–6 February in Oslo.

The left-handed player has been sidelined for over five months due to a persistent arm injury, missing key tournaments including the Australian Open. Draper’s inclusion in the squad gives captain Leon Smith the opportunity to field his strongest team for the crucial qualifier.

---

Draper’s Injury and Recovery

Draper, currently ranked world number 10, has played just one singles match since Wimbledon 2025. The injury, affecting his serving arm, forced him to withdraw from the US Open in August and subsequently shut down his season.

In a social media post late last month, Draper described the injury as one of the most “challenging” and “complex” of his career. He called the decision to skip the Australian Open “really, really tough” but confirmed that he is now in the final stages of recovery and expected to be ready by early February.

The injury has primarily affected the top portion of Draper’s left arm, which impacted his serve and overall match fitness. Despite the setback, Draper had a career-best season in 2025, reaching world number 4 in June and winning his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in March.

---

Great Britain’s Davis Cup Squad

Draper will join a five-man squad led by captain Leon Smith, which includes:

• Cameron Norrie – British number two
• Jacob Fearnley
• Lloyd Glasspool
• Julian Cash

Norway, their opponents in the qualifying tie, will be led by world number 12 Casper Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist.

The winner of the tie will advance to face either Australia or Ecuador in the Davis Cup second qualifying round in September 2026.

---

Strategic Impact of Draper’s Return

Smith is allowed to make three changes to the team up to the eve of the tie, meaning Draper’s selection carries minimal risk but significant potential upside. Draper is expected to play a maximum of two best-of-three set singles matches in Oslo, with five-set matches not a concern until the French Open later in the season.

If fit, Great Britain will field a very strong Davis Cup team, in contrast to the United States, who have selected lower-ranked players Ethan Quinn and Emilio Nava for their away tie in Hungary, despite having 12 higher-ranked men available.

---

Draper’s Outlook for 2026

Returning from a serious injury is a key test for Draper as he aims to maintain his top-10 ATP ranking and continue building on his breakthrough 2025 season. Success in the Davis Cup could provide the ideal platform to regain match fitness and confidence ahead of major tournaments in 2026, including the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

“I’m at the very, very end stages of the recovery process and hopeful to be ready for February,” Draper said.

His return marks one of the most anticipated comebacks for British tennis in recent years.