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Jack Draper outlines next steps following withdrawal from Monte Carlo Masters
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Jack Draper has pushed back his return to the clay court circuit after pulling out of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Draper missed close to six months last year due to a bone injury in his left arm, which kept him off the tour for an extended period.

In just his second tournament back, he managed to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, highlighted by a win over Novak Djokovic along the way.

He then lost his opening match at the Miami Open to Reilly Opelka, and after withdrawing from Monte Carlo as well, questions have started to resurface about his fitness.

Jack Draper to stay in London for training after pulling out of Monte Carlo Masters


Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Draper was set to make his fourth appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters but has now pulled out of the event.

On a positive note, reports indicate that he plans to continue his training at the National Tennis Centre in London as he works towards regaining full fitness.

Daniel Altmaier will take Draper’s place in the draw for the Monte Carlo Masters, which gets underway next week.

The Barcelona Open is next on Draper’s clay calendar, marking his first appearance at the tournament. Carlos Alcaraz is also scheduled to compete there.

Jack Draper not alone in withdrawing from the Monte Carlo Masters

Draper’s withdrawal is just one of several, with Sebastian Korda also pulling out of the event.

Korda had picked up an impressive win over Alcaraz at the Miami Open, but was then beaten by another Spaniard, Martin Landaluce. He appeared to be hampered by a back problem during that match, which has now led to his decision to withdraw from Monte Carlo.

Korda has been replaced in the draw by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe remains the only American left in the main draw.

The Monte Carlo Masters main draw is scheduled to begin on April 5, with Jannik Sinner looking to take over Alcaraz’s world number one ranking.

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

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