"My goal last year was to reach the level of Carlos and Jannik, and that pushed my body to its limits" - Jack Draper links injury problems to high level of Alcaraz and Sinner

Jack Draper's return to tennis has not been the most prolonged event. After he featured in the Davis Cup the British number one has pulled out of the ABN AMRO Open and Qatar Open with him cautiously coming back from his arm injury. He put some of the blame on this injury on the shoulders of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in his quest to become one of the best tennis players in the world.

It was a triumphant return to the action as Draper got past Viktor Durasovic 6-2, 6-2. While not the biggest challenge it was a solid showing from the former world number four who looks to get back to the prior heights he had reached in such a small space of time.

He reached a first Grand Slam semi-final at the 2024 US Open, breaking into the top 20. He then continued his fine form into 2025 with the Indian Wells triumph along with a final defeat to Casper Ruud in the Madrid Open. It would slowly go downhill from here after early defeats at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He would suffer a bruised humerus at the latter, seeing him skip the North American hardcourt swing to focus on recovery ahead of the US Open. He won his opening match but since has not stepped on court with the injury worsening.

Prior attempted comeback dates were pushed back, even with this one not being completed in the fullest with his withdrawals from the upcoming events.

Draper touched on his injury problems, and linked it to attempting to compete with the best players in the world. "My goal last year was to reach the level of Carlos and Jannik, and that pushed my body to its limits," he said. "I tried to hit the ball harder, get free points, and change my game when I wasn't physically prepared to do so."

While on the court he was closing this gap, it came at a cost. "The desire to close the gap with them became a source of stress, so in a way, they're to blame for my physical problems."

It is not all bad news, with him improving his level in his time off and making the most of his time away from the court. "During my time off, I've learned a lot about myself and done things that will help me improve this year," he admitted. "They are the great leaders of tennis and what I want most is to reach their level. I'm going to do everything in my power to achieve that. During this period, which I wouldn't wish on anyone, I've learned things on a personal and professional level that I'm convinced will help me become a better tennis player."

He is flowing in confidence "I believe that right now, I'm a more complete and reliable player than I was at my best last year. I saw the injury as an opportunity, and now it's time to show that I've taken advantage of it."

The 23-year-old spoke on the injury with an update on how he is coping. "The bone needs to regenerate and strengthen little by little," he commented. "The more I play and the more I compete, the more I get used to the strain on my arm that it entails. It's natural to feel some discomfort, but I know it's time to come back and I'm fully confident that I'll manage it well."

Draper will set his eyes on the Sunshine swing with his Indian Wells title and ranking points on the line. Beforehand, he is still listed down for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships from February 23- March 1.