Jack Draper is all set to return to the court with Team Britain, featuring Cameron Norrie, Jacob Fearnley, Lloyd Glasspool, and Julian Cash, captained by Leon Smith, for the Davis Cup qualifiers round against Team Norway at Nadderud Arena in Oslo. He has recently shared his thoughts on his struggles in returning to compete after injury, while highlighting his optimism and realism.
Jack Draper Reflects on His Challenges Ahead As He Returns to the Court After Injury With a Positive Mindset
The World No. 13 had concluded his 2025 season after playing at the US Open, where he competed in both singles and mixed doubles with Jessica Pegula. In singles, he played the first round against Federico Agustin Gomez and withdrew before the second, whereas with Pegula he advanced to the semifinals.
He ended the season with 30 wins and 9 losses and clinched a single title at the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. He was limited by an injury to his upper left arm, which kept him out of play for many months. Furthermore, he had also missed the 2026 Australian Open, as he was then in the final stages of recovery, as per his X post.
A few days back, the British star, who also skipped the United Cup’s fourth edition, revealed the mindset he kept while he was recovering from his injury, “It took a lot of belief and confidence from the first half of the year in what I achieved and I’ve kept that in mind and kept in mind that I want to be competing right at the top of the game.”
Draper continued highlighting his confidence as he is preparing well, while also keeping in mind the limitations he could potentially face:
“Soon, I think it’s going to be a bit of a challenge and a journey to get back to where I was just because I’ve been out for such a long time but at the same time I’m constantly getting better and I’m constantly improving still and I hope I get to show that sooner rather than later.”
The England native had also mentioned he faced “a lot of dark moments and a lot of tough times,” but is delighted to come back to compete, continuing, “I’m happy to be back playing again. I miss the buzz of competing. I’ve missed the thrill of playing in front of people, against great players, and that winning feeling you can’t replicate in training.”
Draper is set to face Viktor Durasovic, World No. 313, in his singles, and then will face 19-year-old Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, the current World No. 133, in his next singles in the Davis Cup Qualifiers first round from 5-6 February.
