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Andy Roddick calls Jack Draper’s injury situation ‘concerning’

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 1:43 PM ET

Jack Draper’s decision to pull out of the Australian Open has once again brought attention to his ongoing struggles with a left arm injury.

Jack Draper’s decision to pull out of the Australian Open has intensified worries surrounding his lingering left arm injury. The British number one has now played just a single ATP match since his second-round exit at Wimbledon last year, with his recovery stretching far longer than many observers anticipated.

Fans had expected Draper to return during the early-season swing in Australia, but the 23-year-old has been forced to delay his comeback once again, sidelined by the same issue that disrupted much of his 2025 campaign. While his return date was officially confirmed on Monday, the extended absence has triggered growing concern within the tennis community.

Roddick admits the situation ‘seems concerning’

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Speaking on the Served podcast, Andy Roddick said Draper’s withdrawal was one of the most disappointing developments of the off-season. He reflected on Draper’s strong form early last year, highlighting how the young Briton had impressed through the spring and into the French Open.

Roddick pointed out that withdrawing from the US Open after the first round, followed by months without competitive tennis and now pulling out of the Australian Open weeks in advance, paints an unsettling picture. In his view, long-term injuries demand significant recovery time, and the latest setback raises genuine doubts about Draper’s readiness to return at full strength.

However, Roddick expressed cautious optimism after Draper was named in Great Britain’s Davis Cup squad for their tie against Norway on February 5 and 6. He emphasised Draper’s value to the sport, calling him a marketable figure with the weapons to challenge elite players across multiple surfaces — including his memorable win over Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells last year.

What Draper’s absence means for his ATP ranking

Draper’s withdrawal carries significant ranking consequences. At the 2025 Australian Open, he won three gruelling five-set matches before retiring against Alcaraz in the fourth round, earning 240 ATP points.

With no opportunity to defend those points this year, Draper will drop 240 points when the tournament concludes on February 1. Based on current projections and without factoring in results from other players, he is expected to fall to 12th in the world on 2,750 points — level with Casper Ruud, who is well positioned to move ahead after his early exit in Melbourne last year.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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