“Maybe players should look at this”: Andy Murray breaks down injury concerns after Draper withdraws from Wimbledon
ATPFriday, 03 July 2026 at 04:30
Andy Murray has suggested that changes in racket technology and playing conditions may be contributing to the increasing number of upper limb injuries on the ATP Tour, following Jack Draper’s late withdrawal from Wimbledon.
The British No. 1 was due to face Taylor Fritz in the first round at SW19 but pulled out hours before the match due to a recurrence of an arm injury. The decision ended his participation before it began and marked another setback in a season heavily disrupted by physical issues.
Draper’s withdrawal also prevented Murray from making his coaching debut at Wimbledon. The former world No. 1 had recently joined Draper’s team in preparation for the grass-court swing, following a short coaching stint with Novak Djokovic last year.
The 24-year-old had shown signs of progress at Eastbourne, reaching the semi-finals with four wins before losing to Ugo Humbert, but the arm problem resurfaced shortly afterwards, forcing him out of his home Grand Slam just few days after.
“There does seem to be more upper limb injuries”
Speaking at an IBM evento, according to Tennis365, Murray questioned whether the current injury profile in tennis reflects deeper structural changes in the sport rather than a simple rise in workload or intensity.
“This is an interesting one because I don’t think the data suggests we are getting any more injuries now compared to ten years ago,” the 3-time Grand Slam champion said. “There does seem to be more upper limb injuries than there was and in my opinion, that is due to the change in racket technology and the strings that players are using.”
He expanded on how equipment evolution may be shifting stress patterns through the kinetic chain, particularly on the arm. “Players have gone to much lighter rackets than they used to use before. And with quite stiff strings in the racket, so a lot of force is going through the arm,” he said. “feel like that’s something that maybe some of the players should look at.
Draper setback highlights wider physical strain on tour
Draper’s withdrawal is the latest in a series of injury interruptions that have limited his availability over the past year. The British player has competed in only 15 matches in the last 12 months due to recurring problems with a bruised humerus, alongside additional setbacks including knee tendinitis earlier in the season.
His own description of the latest issue underlined the emotional impact of repeated stoppages. “I’m devastated to share that I have had to withdraw from my first round match due to a recurrence of my arm injury,” Draper said. “There have been a lot of painful moments in the last 12 months, but this one is definitely the absolute worst.”
The 2024 US Open semi-finalist has not played a major since last August and now misses a third consecutive Grand Slam, with Wimbledon carrying additional significance given his status as one of Britain’s leading hopes.
Murray, who has dealt with repeated injury setbacks throughout his own career, suggested that the evolution of the sport’s physical demands may be accelerating such patterns across the Tour.
“Because the game has got quicker and faster, players feel like they need a lighter racket," the 2-time Wimbledon champion added. "They feel that when the ball’s coming quickly, you need to get that racket moving fast. So, yeah, I feel like there’s been a bit of change in racket technology, which has maybe put a bit more stress on the player’s arms.”
He argued that this shift may be increasing stress on the arm, particularly when combined with stiffer string setups designed to generate more power and control at high pace. “I feel like there’s been a bit of change in racket technology, which has maybe put a bit more stress on the player’s arms."
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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