Jack Draper is poised to make his long-awaited return to competitive tennis this week as Great Britain face Norway in their Davis Cup qualifier in Oslo.
The British number one, aged 24, has been sidelined since last summer with bone bruising in his left arm, managing just a single singles match since his second-round departure from Wimbledon.
His 2025 campaign was effectively written off by the persistent injury, which first emerged during the clay-court season in spring.
Draper had previously enjoyed a stellar run, capturing his maiden Masters 1000 crown at Indian Wells and ascending to a career-best world ranking of fourth in June.
Jack Draper has only played one singles match since Wimbledon after a horrific 2025
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PA
The recovery period has tested Draper’s mental fortitude considerably. Speaking to Sky Sports from Oslo, he acknowledged the psychological toll of his extended absence.
“You’re kind of like in a hole and you need to get yourself out of that hole somehow, especially with a long injury,” he said.
The 24-year-old also told the LTA website he had experienced “a lot of dark moments and a lot of tough times” during his rehabilitation.
Bone stress injuries present particular challenges, as Draper explained: “It’s not like a hamstring or a bad ankle or something where you know the timeline for your recovery.”
Jack Draper missed the Australian Open this year through injury
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REUTERSDespite the prolonged spell on the sidelines, Draper maintains he has emerged stronger from the experience.
He revealed to Sky Sports that he feels “physically in amazing shape” following intensive training during his rehabilitation.
“I would say I’m a better player than I was six months ago from all the things I’ve been doing,” he declared.
Sky Sports Tennis correspondent Jonathan Overend noted that Draper has appeared sharp during practice sessions in Oslo, “hitting the ball as fiercely as ever.”
The Briton’s assertion that he has improved whilst barely competing represents quite a statement about his dedication during the difficult months away.
Draper has confirmed his intention to defend his Indian Wells title next month, refusing to return at anything less than full fitness.
“I’m not coming back from this injury at just 80 or 70 per cent. I want to be coming back and have the full capacity to do what I need to do,” he told Sky Sports.
When asked about reaching peak form, the British number one expressed striking optimism: “It might be straightaway. It’s possible.”
He acknowledged that tennis remains fundamentally a confidence sport requiring match practice, but insisted he feels ready to compete at the highest level once more.
