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Jack Draper has confirmed his withdrawal from the upcoming French Open as the Brit's nightmare 2026 continues. Draper had returned to the court following an injury setback earlier this year, but was forced to miss the ongoing Madrid Open with a knee problem.

Draper also announced his intention to sit out the Italian Open in Rome just after Madrid, and had harboured hopes of getting back up to speed in time for Roland-Garros. However, the 24-year-old confirmed via social media that his clay season is over completely, casting fresh doubts on his fitness ahead of Wimbledon later in the year.

Writing on social media, the 2025 Indian Wells victor said: "My knee is on the mend and I've started back hitting balls but unfortunately I have been advised not to play Roland Garros. As gutting as it is to miss another slam, the advice is not to rush straight back into playing five set tennis on clay.

"Off the back of the arm injury I sustained last year, I've been restricted with my training and by giving myself the time to heal and build, I can be the player I want to be out there once again. See you soon !"

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The British No. 2 is hoping to return during the grass season, potentially in Stuttgart, where he is a former champion. It is understood that it wasn't worth the risk of pushing himself to return on clay, especially over best-of-five sets. But Draper can now enjoy something of a training block before getting on the grass.

Draper managed just one outing on clay in 2026, but the world No.28 retired hurt from his round one match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Barcelona Open. That itself was only his fourth ATP tournament start since the 2025 US Open, with Draper having pulled out of the Grand Slam, citing an arm injury.

The latest leg problem is another example of Draper's body failing him at a crucial part of the tennis season, as this will represent the first Grand Slam he's missed since Wimbledon in 2023. Since turning professional, Draper hasn't enjoyed a consistent run of health, apart from the second half of 2024.