Jack Draper enjoyed an incredible 2024 season, but his preparations for 2025 have not started well.
Draper is one of tennis' most talented young stars. He possesses blistering power and superb athleticism and could become one of Britain's best players if his development continues.
The 22-year-old struggled to consistently demonstrate that ability until the second half of 2024. Draper recently admitted that he had not previously been willing to put in the hard work needed to become a professional player.
After starting 2024 by reaching the Adelaide International final, Draper's form dipped for a few months. That was especially the case during the clay court swing, which is his least favorite surface.
However, Draper began his excellent form on grass. He claimed a maiden ATP Tour title at the Stuttgart Open, impressively overcoming 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the final.
That was followed by beating two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in his next tournament at the Cinch Championships, proving how dangerous Draper's game can be against the best players when it clicks.
Draper had a breakthrough tournament at the US Open during the North American hardcourt swing. The young star did not drop a set to reach the semifinal before the eventual champion, Jannik Sinner, proved too good at that stage.
A memorable season for Draper got even better in his penultimate tournament when he won a maiden ATP 500 title at the Vienna Open after triumphing against multiple Grand Slam semifinalist Karen Khacanov.
Draper had planned to build on that momentum by participating in a one-week training camp with Alcaraz during the off-season. However, a hip injury derailed those plans, meaning the US Open semifinalist had to pull out of the camp.
The 22-year-old has revealed in a social media post that he will miss two events where he would have represented his country. Draper withdrew from the United Cup, starting on December 27th, and will also not feature in Great Britain's Davis Cup tie after the Australian Open.
"As I work to get on top of my hip injury and get match-fit, I have unfortunately been advised not to play in the United Cup. While we are very positive about competing in the Australian Open this year, I know I won't be able to jump straight into a packed schedule as I manage and strengthen my hip. [I'm] gutted as I was really looking forward to playing in the United Cup for the first time."
"In all honesty, I haven't been able to train the way I wanted to. My preparation, probably for Australia, won't be the best. But that's the situation in the sport - you've got to roll with the highs and lows and hopefully I give myself the best shot of playing well there."
"Together with Leon, we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out the upcoming Davis Cup match against Japan in order to give me the opportunity post Australia Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip."
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