Draper joins the no-show list in Paris

Jack Draper has called another halt to his erratic tennis career, with the injury-magnet Briton withdrawing from the remainder of the spring clay season.

The player who once breached the ranking top 10 but now stands 28th and falling, said on Wednesday that he will not front up for the Rome Masters and Roland Garros next month.

The 24-year-old has managed just eight matches this season, including a pullout in the late stages of a loss this month on clay in Barcelona. He has been suffering with knee issues for weeks.

The British press is now facing a possible Wimbledon nightmare, with both Draper and Emma Raducanu both missing in action with dim hopes for recovering in time for the late June start at the All England club.

 Draper explained his situation on social media.

“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 !”

Draper owns a grass title from Stuttgart, which starts the day after the June 7 Roland Garros final in Paris.

Bill Scott

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