Jack Draper will be back in action this week at the Washington Open after missing Wimbledon due to injury.
Draper was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon earlier this summer due to a recurring arm injury.
The Briton has been sidelined for large portions of the 2026 season due to physical struggles, having featured at just five tour-level competitions.
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The setbacks have seen Draper‘s ranking plummet outside the top 100, with the former world number four now placed 147th.
But ahead of the Washington Open, the 24-year-old was very positive when issuing a fitness update.
Jack Draper says this is the best he’s felt in a ‘very, very long time’
In an interview with Tennis TV, Draper said: “It’s been a difficult year for me, actually. You know, from where we were last year, it’s been a really tough time.
“A lot of problem solving, a lot of adversity, a lot of challenge, a lot of tough moments, but coming through it step by step, and luckily I’ve got amazing people around me to help guide me through it.
“I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in a very, very long time, and I’m continuing to feel that way, so I’ve just got to stay focused, stay dedicated, stay patient, and I know that I’m going to start getting where I want to be again.”
Asked if the improvements were solely physical, Draper replied: “Mentally and physically. Physically, very much so.
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“You know, for a long time I was dealing with my arm injury, and at the same time dealing with a knee injury as well, so it was like every time I hit the ball I feel pain, and every time I move I feel pain, and it wasn’t enjoyable.
“That obviously causes a lot of mental exhaustion, especially when you’re trying to play a sport which is so relentless, and you want to get back to where you are, but at the same time you just, you don’t have any choice but to try and just rehab and get better.
“It’s not easy, so mentally I’m starting to get my energy back as well, and that feels amazing, and the number one thing for me as well is just being pain-free, being on court, competing hard, and you know, I know that I’ll get back to where I want to be.”
Jack Draper ‘proud’ of his mental resilience in recovery
Draper continued: “I mean it’s tough because at the start you’re wanting to get back as quickly as possible, you’re thinking my ranking’s going to drop, I’m missing out this tournament, I’m not in that one, I’m missing opportunities.
“But I suppose I got to the point of acceptance maybe a couple of months ago where it’s like, you know, I just need to get right; all of that stuff doesn’t matter, and yeah, it’s tough not to be hard on yourself.
“I think I’ve done an amazing job of showing up to training every single day and trying to stay strong and stay ready almost, and I think I’ve done a great job with my game of still being in a really good place considering the year I’ve had.
“So that’s definitely something I’m really proud of, and I’m looking forward to kicking on.”
Draper will take on Alex Michelsen in the first round of the Washington Open.
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