Jack Draper doubtful for start of 2026 season after withdrawing from another event

Fans may not see Jack Draper in the opening month of 2026 after he withdrew from yet another event.

Draper's last appearance was at the 2025 US Open. He could not play his second round match at Flushing Meadows because of an arm injury, and announced he was ending his season early because of that issue shortly afterward.

That cost Draper an almost certain place at the 2025 ATP Finals. The Briton was in a great position to qualify after achievements like winning his maiden Masters 1000 title at the 2025 Indian Wells Open and reaching the 2025 Madrid Open final.

Draper was set to make his return at the 2025 Ultimate Tennis Showdown in London, but that was stopped by his still not being ready to play. Alex de Minaur ultimately won that edition of the unique exhibition.

The world No. 10's next scheduled appearance was the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters. Mirra Andreeva and Alexandra Eala, two of the WTA's most exciting young players, are set to appear at the event.

Despite it not being held until December 27th and 28th, Draper has already withdrawn from that exhibition as well. No official reason was provided for the tournament, but his injury is the obvious cause.

This latest news raises serious doubts about whether Draper will be ready for the start of 2026. He and Emma Raducanu were previously announced for the 2026 United Cup, scheduled for January 2nd to 11th.

That team event starting just a few days after the MGM Macau Tennis Masters means Draper missing it is possible. The British No. 1 might need to rest his arm for longer to have a chance of being fit for the 2026 Australian Open.

Jakub Mensik's run to glory at the 2025 Miami Open was among the most notable moments from the 2025 season. The Czech was just 19 when he produced stunning tennis to secure the most significant title of his career.

That memorable run included defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. It was the 24-time Grand Slam champion's only final with Andy Murray as his coach before the former on-court rivals split shortly afterward.

Mensik was set to appear at the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, an exhibition scheduled from December 27th to 28th. The event's social media pages have confirmed that he has withdrawn.

No explanation was provided for Mensik's decision. However, it is almost certainly due to an injury that forced him to withdraw before his 2025 Swiss Indoors round-of-16 match against Joao Fonseca.

That was followed by withdrawals from the 2025 Paris Masters and the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. Fonseca, another of the sport's most impressive young players, also did not play at the Next Gen ATP Finals.

Hopefully, that injury does not lead to Mensik missing tournaments in 2026. Tournaments are better when the most significant young stars are playing and entertaining the fans.