Jack Draper delays return from arm injury as he pulls out of Ultimate Tennis Showdown final in London
Published 01/12/2025 at 22:03 GMT
British No. 1 Jack Draper has delayed his return from an arm injury further by pulling out of this week’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) grand final in London. The 23-year-old has played in just one singles match since his shock Wimbledon exit in July, and he was hoping to make his return on Friday. But he confirmed his withdrawal from the event, saying he had "been advised to take more time".
'My arm was shutting down' - Draper reveals extent of 'painful' bone bruising
Video credit: SNTV
Jack Draper has pulled out of this week’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) grand final, further delaying his return from an arm injury.
The British No. 1 was hoping to play in his first match since withdrawing from the US Open in September following his first-round win at Flushing Meadows.
But the 23-year-old said he had been advised not to play in the upcoming London event, which will take place from Friday to Sunday in his home country.
"I've been working hard to get ready for the UTS, but frustratingly, I'm just not quite ready," Draper said on social media.
"It's a tough call as I want nothing more than to compete, but I've been advised to take more time. Sorry to let down fans and miss out on the event."
Draper first felt pain in his left serving arm during the clay-court swing and was diagnosed as having bone bruising after his defeat to Marin Cilic in the second round of Wimbledon.
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Highlights: Draper overcomes Gomez in four sets as Keys downs Zarazua
Video credit: SNTV
The current world No. 10 returned to action in the mixed doubles at the US Open, but then withdrew after winning his first-round victory in the singles against Federico Agustin Gomez, with the injury denying him a first-ever appearance at the ATP Finals.
Draper admitted at the time that he had come back too soon and made the decision to shut down the rest of his ranking tournament season.
"Unfortunately, the injury to my arm is something I have to rest and means I'll be sitting out the rest of 2025," Draper said, following his US Open withdrawal, then ranked world No. 5.
"It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff.
"However, I've been through this before - and I always come back stronger as I'm so motivated to fulfil my potential as a player."
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Draper, who had been handed a wildcard for the UTS event, was replaced by Frenchman Ugo Humbert for the tournament, taking place at the Copper Box Arena.
There are eight players involved, including top-20 stars Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev.
Draper will now hope to make his return at the start of the new year, competing for Great Britain in the United Cup team competition, while the Australian Open starts on January 18.
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