Jack Draper breaks down in tears in Montreal as injury struggles continue
ATPWednesday, 05 August 2026 at 00:09
Jack Draper was in tears during the third set of his first-round match against Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open, as the British star continues his difficult journey back from injury. The former world No. 4 showed flashes of his best tennis but could not complete the comeback, falling 3-6, 6-2, 2-6 in Montreal after one hour and 51 minutes.
The defeat marked Draper’s first appearance at a Masters 1000 event since Eastbourne in June, where he competed on grass before later missing Wimbledon due to physical issues. After being forced to skip the entire clay-court swing, the Briton returned to competition hoping to rebuild his confidence ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Draper, who reached the quarterfinals in Montreal four years ago, struggled to find his rhythm early against Atmane. The Frenchman controlled the opening set after securing the only break of the set, while the Briton failed to create a single break opportunity.
However, the former top-four player responded strongly in the second set, finding more consistency from the baseline and using his powerful serve to turn the match around. Draper saved set points earlier in the tournament before eventually forcing a deciding set, showing signs of the level that once pushed him into the elite of the ATP Tour.
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Another setback in a career interrupted by injuries
The final set quickly became a difficult battle for Draper. Atmane broke serve in the opening game and moved ahead 4-1, leaving the Briton visibly frustrated during the changeover. Draper struggled to contain his emotions and was seen wiping away tears as he attempted to stay focused.
The moment reflected the challenges that have followed Draper throughout his career. Despite his immense talent and a breakthrough 2025 season that saw him win his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and rise to No. 4 in the world, maintaining consistency has remained difficult due to repeated physical setbacks.
Jack Draper was in tears during the third set of his game against Terence Atmane in Montreal as he continues his return from injury 🎾 pic.twitter.com/ekhBse3Af3
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) August 4, 2026
The British star has dealt with multiple injury interruptions over the years, including shoulder and physical issues that have limited his schedule. This season, his problems forced him to miss the clay-court season and Wimbledon, creating another setback just as he was trying to build momentum after his biggest career achievements.
Draper managed to fight until the end and created late chances, but Atmane held firm to close out the victory. For the Briton, the focus now turns to recovering physically and finding his rhythm again during the North American hard-court swing, with the US Open approaching as another opportunity to restart his season.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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