Jack Draper rues injury that has forced him out of Wimbledon – ‘This one is tough to take’

Jack Draper has been ruled out of Wimbledon after confirming he will miss the grass-court season due to a shoulder injury.

The 21-year-old withdrew from the second Grand Slam of the season at the French Open on account of a problem that forced him to serve underarm before retiring in the second set against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Draper said at the time he was hopeful it would not impact on his summer, but following a scan he took the decision to take a break from the sport.

“It’s clear my shoulder is going to need time and rehab to get back to where it needs to be,” Draper wrote on Instagram. “My team and I have made the difficult decision to miss the grass-court season this year.

“I guess in this sport there are so many ups and downs but this one is tough to take. The only thing for sure is that I will keep persevering. Thank you for all the support I get on here it means a lot.”

The shoulder problem is the latest in a series of injuries that have beset Draper.

Abdominal and hip injuries have hit him hard this season, but he is hopeful a period of rest will alleviate his current problem.

If his rehab goes as expected, Draper expects to resume play at the end of July.

That would raise hope of an appearance at the US Open. Draper has fond memories of New York as he reached the third round in his first outing at Flushing Meadows in 2022.

Draper broke into the world’s top 50 earlier in the year, peaking at No. 38, but the left hander is still seeking a breakthrough tournament win at the highest level.

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