Jack Draper withdraws from Wimbledon as Andy Murray return ruined
Jack Draper has pulled out of Wimbledon 24 hours before his blockbuster first-round clash with Taylor Fritz. It means that both of Britain's biggest stars will not compete at SW19 following Emma Raducanu's late withdrawal on Sunday night.
It also deals a cruel blow to two-time champion Andy Murray, who has taken up a role coaching Draper but his return to the All England Club has been ruined.
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Draper said: "Devastated to share that I have had to withdraw from my first round match due to a recurrence of my arm injury. There have been a lot of painful moments in the last 12 months but this one is definitely the absolute worst as there is no greater honour for a British player than playing at Wimbledon.
"I will continue to persevere through this. Thank you for the support!!”
Draper was given the popcorn tie of the first round against 2025 semi-finalist Fritz. The duo were due to lock horns on Centre Court on Tuesday but he will now be replaced by lucky loser Dusan Lajovic.
Wimbledon's prize money rules means that the 24-year-old will still take home 50 per cent of the round one prize money, meaning he banks £40,000.
The world No. 131 ended his 2025 season in August due to bone bruising in his left arm, and the same issue has flared up again following his run to last week's Eastbourne semi-finals. He was also sidelined from April until June this year due to a knee issue.
Draper has been plagued by other injuries over the last few years and he spoke about the issues during his pre-tournament press conference. The former world No.4 explained: "It's very difficult. I think when I was younger, I had quite a few sort of setbacks. Then came through that and had a couple years of where I wasn't. I made some incredible progress.
"Looking back coming here last year as 4 in the world, I was feeling incredible and looking forward to everything that was to come. I felt like I was gradually building up and up and up, confidence in my tennis, in my body, in my mind.
"Then you have something that stops you in your tracks when you're not expecting it. I think it's really difficult to accept that, especially after coming through what you've come through in the past.
"Yeah, I didn't know I was going to have the year I've had with the injuries, not being able to play too much, watching your sort of ranking drop all the way down again to the start.
"I suppose again, like, you've got to see that as where you're at. You always have to look at the positive side of things. I have to rebuild myself and I have to start again almost.
"I think my tennis hasn't gone anywhere because I've really been dedicated every day to try and do everything possible so that when I am back on court, like now, I'm in a good place.
"I still believe, even now after all this time, I'm still competing at an incredibly high level. I'm looking forward to working my way up again."
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