In a blow to Great Britain’s Davis Cup aspirations, world number five Jack Draper has been forced to withdraw from the team’s upcoming World Group tie against Poland, scheduled for September 12-13, 2025, in Gdynia. The 23-year-old British number one, who has been grappling with a persistent arm injury, aggravated the issue during his return to competitive play at the 2025 US Open, prompting his decision to prioritize recovery over national duty. The news, announced just days after his US Open exit, has left fans and teammates rallying behind the young star, with uncertainty lingering over when he’ll return to the court.
Draper’s injury woes began earlier this year, with a bone bruise in his left arm—specifically the humerus, running from shoulder to elbow—sidelining him since his second-round defeat at Wimbledon in July. The injury, which first surfaced during the clay-court season in April and worsened on grass, disrupted his preparations for the hard-court swing, forcing him to skip key tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati. Despite arriving in New York optimistic about his recovery, Draper admitted the injury had been a lingering concern. “I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play, but the discomfort in my arm has become too much,” he shared in a heartfelt statement on social media after withdrawing from the US Open before his second-round match against Zizou Bergs. His first-round win over Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in four grueling sets had hinted at his potential, but the physical toll proved too great.
The Davis Cup tie, a crucial opportunity for Great Britain to advance in the prestigious team competition, now faces a significant setback without its top player. Draper, who reached the US Open semi-finals in 2024 and was seen as a contender for the 2025 title, was expected to lead the British squad. His absence shifts the spotlight to Cameron Norrie, the former world number eight, who will spearhead the team alongside rising star Jacob Fearnley. The squad also includes three debutants—Wimbledon doubles champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, and 23-year-old Arthur Fery—adding fresh energy to the lineup. “It goes without saying that obviously it’s a real shame that we can’t call upon Jack Draper to be in the team with his injury, and of course we wish him the best with his recovery and for the rest of the season,” said Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, expressing both disappointment and support for the sidelined star.
Poland, weakened by the absence of their top-100 players Hubert Hurkacz and Kamil Majchrzak due to injuries, will be led by world number 430 Maks Kasnikowski, making Great Britain strong favorites despite Draper’s withdrawal. The tie, set to take place just a week after the US Open concludes, offers the winners a chance to challenge for the Davis Cup trophy in 2026. For Britain, the focus now shifts to Norrie, who missed the team’s earlier defeat to Japan in February, and Fearnley, who impressed in his Davis Cup debut by winning one of his two singles matches against Japan. Cash and Glasspool, despite an early US Open doubles exit, bring championship pedigree, while Fery provides valuable singles depth.
Draper’s US Open campaign offered glimpses of his resilience and vulnerability. Wearing a sleeve on his injured arm and competing in mixed doubles alongside Jessica Pegula, he initially downplayed the injury’s severity, insisting he was “ready to go” and confident he wouldn’t cause further damage. However, his cautious approach against Gomez, relying on precision rather than power, and a subdued demeanor after practice sessions signaled deeper concerns. Former world number nine Andrea Petkovic, commenting on the injury, noted, “Bone injuries are difficult to handle. They can always come back if you come back too early.” Her words underscore the delicate balance Draper faces as he navigates his recovery.
As Great Britain prepares for the Poland clash, the tennis world awaits updates on Draper’s health. His meteoric rise, marked by a career-high ranking and a reputation for candidness, has endeared him to fans, but recurring injuries threaten to stall his momentum. With the Davis Cup tie too soon for his return, questions remain about when “Super Jack” will swing back into action, ready to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.
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