Jack Draper has been dealing with on-again, off-again injury issues and has once again withdrawn from a major tournament at the eleventh hour. Most recently, the 24-year-old Brit pulled out of the Mubadala DC Open and Wimbledon just a day before his first match.
In Washington, he even stated he felt better a day before pulling out due to the persistent arm injury. It has caused the former World No. 4’s ranking to plummet to No. 147 in a single year. In a recent podcast discussion, reporter Blair Henley and four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters didn’t hold back as they analyzed Draper’s bizarre injury situation.
Kim Clijsters Questions Jack Draper’s Team Over Baffling Injury Cycle After DC Open Withdrawal
On the latest episode of “Love All with Kim Clijsters,” Henley and Clijsters were discussing the US Open Mixed Doubles first entry list, which features Draper teaming up again with Jessica Pegula. Clijsters didn’t hold back, saying the American might need to look elsewhere, as Draper’s chances of being fit for the Grand Slam don’t look great.
Henley pointed out just how baffling the situation has become, noting that the warning signs were flashing brightly last year. At the 2025 US Open, Draper pushed himself to compete in the mixed doubles event alongside Pegula, narrowly losing in the semifinals to Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
In the singles, he managed to grind through a four-set first-round match before abruptly pulling out ahead of the second round.
And Clijsters’ concern is about how Draper’s team is handling it. “I would just love to know what’s happening there. Like, are you guys turning him inside out so you can see what the deal is? Like, food is it? Whatever it is, like recovery, training types… It’s just very interesting, and I would love to get somebody’s input,” the Belgian said.
It has been more than a year since Draper has been dealing with a bruise on his left arm. The only way to heal it completely is through sufficient rest so the bone can strengthen. Draper has taken many measures to help the recovery, including ice baths, saunas, and red light therapy, but he also tried to play through the discomfort, which might have aggravated the injury.
In Washington, Draper was looking to build momentum on his North American hard-court season and compete for the first time since Eastbourne in June. Although after his practice session under the new coach, Andy Murray, Draper said he was “feeling physically good,” he withdrew the next day.
