Jack Draper to miss Madrid and Rome as knee injury impacts ranking outlook
ATPMonday, 20 April 2026 at 12:58
Jack Draper will miss both the Mutua Madrid Open and the Italian Open after confirming a knee tendon injury, ruling him out of two key events in the clay-court calendar. The 24-year-old has struggled for continuity in recent weeks, with the issue resurfacing during his limited appearances on clay.
Draper, currently ranked world No. 28, has compiled a 5–4 record this season, with his standout result coming at Indian Wells, where he reached the quarter-finals. However, his transition to clay has been disrupted, forcing him to withdraw from tournaments that carry significant ranking implications.
His absence follows a retirement in Barcelona, where he was forced to stop during his first-round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The Brit had opted to skip the Monte Carlo Masters earlier in April, making Barcelona his only clay appearance before withdrawing with visible discomfort.
The timing is critical. Madrid and Rome represent two Masters 1000 events ahead of Roland Garros, and Draper’s withdrawal removes an opportunity to build match rhythm before the second Grand Slam of the season.
Knee injury disrupts clay-court campaign
Draper confirmed that the issue stems from a tendon problem in his knee, which has prevented him from competing at full capacity. While he acknowledged frustration, he also indicated that the injury is not expected to require long-term absence. “An aggravated tendon in my knee means I am not able to play in Madrid and Rome. It’s frustrating for sure, but I am thankful it isn’t anything more serious.”
The injury has been a recurring limitation during his return to competition. Draper had already shown signs of discomfort earlier in the season, including visible taping around the knee during his run at Indian Wells.
Despite the setback, Draper expressed confidence in his recovery timeline, identifying Roland Garros as a realistic target for his return to full competition. “Recovery is going well and I feel good about my chances of being fit for Roland Garros. I am looking forward to building momentum from there.”
Ranking impact and season context
Draper’s withdrawal carries significant ranking consequences, given the points he is set to lose during this stretch. He was a finalist in Madrid in 2025 and followed that with a quarter-final run in Rome, meaning a combined total of 850 points will drop from his ranking.
That shift is expected to push him outside the top 50 in the short term, with further decline possible depending on his participation in Rome and subsequent results. Without those points, Draper’s position in the rankings becomes increasingly vulnerable ahead of the summer.
The broader context of his season reflects ongoing interruptions due to injury. Draper missed a large portion of 2023 with a shoulder problem and also dealt with hip issues last year before returning strongly to win his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells.
His most recent absence follows a period of limited competition after Wimbledon, where bone bruising restricted him to a single singles match until his return in Davis Cup action earlier this year. Reflecting on that period, Draper pointed to a shift in perspective during time away from the tour.
“I’ve kind of taken a step back from tennis in this period. Tennis is a bubble, and sometimes you can get distracted that it’s all that matters in life," the former world No. 4 claimed. "When I have time out, I use it wisely to make sure that when I try and come back to tennis, that I’m ready to go all the way again.”
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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