Jack Draper gives the reason why he has pulled out of training with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Australian Open

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Jack Draper had planned a training week with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Australian Open, but such plans have been cancelled.

Alcaraz and Draper have signed up early for Queen’s, with the talented pair both set for exciting 2025 seasons.

Draper beat Alcaraz at Queen’s in 2024, just one brilliant moment among many for the British number one last time out.

A training week in Spain was set to be their latest endeavour together, having now met three times in ATP Tour action.

Another Draper and Alcaraz reunion is possible at the 2025 Australian Open, although the former is set to play in the United Cup before then.

Injured Jack Draper pulls out of training with Carlos Alcaraz

But it remains to be seen how fit the Briton will be, having withdrawn from training with Alcaraz due to a hip injury.

As quoted by BBC Sport, Draper has now explained the issue, saying: “I’ve been working incredibly hard the last couple of weeks to get myself to hopefully improve for next year.

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“I did have a little bit of a niggle in my hip area and in terms of going away to Spain and training at that level of intensity with Carlos I had to make that call because it’s not fair on him if I go and I am not 100%.

“It was something that we were really excited about, and something me and [his coach] James [Trotman] had been talking about for a while.

“To try to go out and hit with the best players in the world and get that exposure to the highest level possible on a regular basis to get prepared for the New Year.”

What is the head-to-head record between Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper?

Draper is now limited to gym work ahead of the United Cup, where he will be representing Great Britain in the team event.

His side are scheduled to play in Sydney starting from December 27, with the Australian Open then starting on January 12 in Melbourne.

A training week with world number three Alcaraz would have been hugely beneficial for world number 15 Draper.

But sadly it wasn’t meant to be, with the latter now simply hoping he can recover from the problem as soon as possible.

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It is different to the hip injury that plagued his 2023 season, which could either be worrying or a relief for the British number one.

Given the busy schedule, a reunion with Alcaraz is very likely at some stage, with the Spaniard boasting a 2-1 win-loss record over Draper.