Wimbledon 2026: Jack Draper concerned about amount of injuries as he looks to Andy Murray for guidance
Britain's Jack Draper thinks the amount of injuries suffered by leading players is "pretty worrying" as he prepares to make his Grand Slam comeback at Wimbledon.
Draper, 24, has missed the Australian Open and French Open this year - as well as pulling out of the US Open last year before his second-round match - due to long-term injury.
While Draper is fit to continue the early stages of his comeback at the All England Club, seven-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz is missing with a wrist injury.
Former world number four Draper believes the demands placed on the top stars - a gruelling season with a short break, longer matches and more physical battles - are responsible for their bodies breaking down.
"I think the state of men's tennis is pretty worrying right now," the 2024 US Open semi-finalist said.
"I think the way athletes are getting better and hitting the ball harder and moving better, they need to really take a close look at what we're doing on tour."
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2024, is also missing Wimbledon through injury, while Draper cited France's Arthur Fils as another talented young player who has been hampered by injury because of the workloads.
Several ATP players withdrew from Wimbledon warm-up events at Queen's and Eastbourne - including Draper's SW19 opponent Taylor Fritz, plus French Open quarter-finalists Joao Fonseca and Rafael Jodar - in order to protect their bodies.
Draper also highlighted the elongated 12-day ATP Masters tournaments - which have been extended to become known as 'mini Grand Slams' - as a particular problem.
"I think the tournaments are going to suffer a lot if not much changes," added Draper.
"I think it's a really important topic. I hope that as time goes on things do change."
Former British number one Draper has only played 15 matches in the past year because of bone bruising in his serving arm and tendinitis in his knee.
As a result he has dropped to 160th in the world rankings.
Reaching the Eastbourne semi-finals in his comeback tournament last week - having not played since April - was a promising sign.
The rigours of five-set matches will be a sterner examination of Draper's fitness, particularly against American sixth seed Fritz in a plum first-round draw.
Draper has turned to British former world number one Andy Murray for guidance in dealing with his injury setbacks and the expectations which he might face from home fans at Wimbledon.
In May, Draper announced he has brought the two-time Wimbledon champion - his childhood idol - into his coaching team for the grass-court season.
Murray told BBC Sport earlier this month he wants the partnership to be a longer-term arrangement - and Draper feels the same.
"Having him around helps a lot. Him just being here, being in my presence, not just now, but the last few weeks, has really helped my confidence," said Draper.
"It's not been an easy time at all. [Murray] being around to help guide me through this period, get me back to being on court, get me back to competing, has been very, very special.
"I think it's just the start. I think it will be a great partnership."