British tennis star Jack Draper has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season due to a persistent arm injury, dashing his hopes of competing in the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia and other key tournaments. The 23-year-old, who reached a career-high world No. 4 ranking earlier this year, announced the decision on September 8, 2025, prioritizing recovery to ensure a strong comeback in 2026.
A Stellar Season Cut Short
Draper’s 2025 campaign marked a breakout year, establishing him as Britain’s No. 1 and a genuine contender on the ATP Tour. He began the season with a remarkable run at the Australian Open, winning three consecutive five-set matches to reach the fourth round. In March, he claimed his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling final. April saw him reach his first ATP Tour final on clay at the Madrid Open, showcasing his growing versatility across surfaces. By June, Draper had climbed to No. 4 in the world, becoming only the second left-hander this century, after Rafael Nadal, to break into the top five.
His powerful serve, aggressive baseline game, and improved physical conditioning made him a favorite at Wimbledon, where he entered as the No. 4 seed. However, a recurring arm injury—diagnosed as bone bruising in his left humerus (playing arm)—began to take its toll. The issue first surfaced after a second-round loss to Marin Cilic at Wimbledon, persisted through the clay season, and worsened at the US Open. Despite a hard-fought first-round win over Federico Agustin Gomez at Flushing Meadows, Draper was forced to withdraw before his second-round match against Zizou Bergs on August 28, 2025, due to renewed arm pain.
Missing the Six Kings Slam and ATP Finals
Draper’s season-ending injury means he will miss the Six Kings Slam, a high-profile exhibition event in Saudi Arabia from October 15-18, 2025, boasting a £10 million prize fund. The tournament, featuring tennis heavyweights Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, guarantees each participant at least £1.12 million, with last year’s champion, Sinner, earning £4.5 million. Draper’s absence from this lucrative event is a significant financial blow, compounded by his inability to compete in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where he was ranked ninth in the Race to Turin qualification standings.
Additionally, Draper will lose all ranking points from his 2024 Vienna Open title, as he is unable to defend it in October 2025. This could see his current world No. 7 ranking slip, though his strong performances earlier in 2025 provide some cushion. His absence from the ATP Tour for the remainder of the year also rules him out of other key events, including the Paris Masters and Stockholm Open.
A Career Plagued by Injuries
Draper’s promising career has been repeatedly hampered by injuries, a consequence of a dramatic growth spurt in his teens that left him prone to physical setbacks. In 2023, a shoulder injury sidelined him for the entire grass-court season, including Wimbledon, while hip pain troubled him during the 2024 Australian Open pre-season. Despite a relatively injury-free 2024, which saw him win ATP titles in Vienna and Stuttgart, the arm injury in 2025 has been a frustrating recurrence.
In a heartfelt statement on social media, Draper expressed his disappointment but remained resolute: “Unfortunately, the injury to my arm is something I have to rest and means I’ll be sitting out the rest of 2025. It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff. However, I’ve been through this before, and I always come back stronger as I’m so motivated to fulfil my potential as a player.”
Recovery and the Road to 2026
Medical advice has emphasized extended rest to allow the bone bruising in Draper’s arm to heal fully, avoiding the need for surgery. His team is now focused on a rehabilitation plan to ensure he is fit for the 2026 Australian Open, starting January 12, 2026, where he aims to replicate his strong 2025 performance. Draper’s history of resilience, coupled with his work ethic, suggests he can return to his peak form, but the road to recovery will require patience.
Impact on British Tennis and Davis Cup
Draper’s withdrawal leaves a significant gap in British tennis, particularly for the Davis Cup, where he was expected to lead Great Britain in a play-off against Poland in September 2025. In his absence, Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie will take on the primary singles roles. Draper’s decision to prioritize recovery mirrors that of other top players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic, who have also opted out of post-US Open events to manage the physical and mental demands of the season.
A Bright Future Awaits
Despite the setback, Draper’s 2025 season showcased his potential to compete with the world’s best. His Indian Wells title, Madrid final, and top-five ranking highlight his ability to challenge the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner. As he focuses on rehabilitation, the tennis world remains optimistic about his return. With his powerful game, mental toughness, and determination to overcome adversity, Draper is poised to reclaim his place among the elite in 2026, ready to pursue the Grand Slam glory that his talent promises.
