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TENNIS: Draper to miss Australian Open due to injury

British No. 1 Jack Draper will miss the 2026 Australian Open as he continues recovering from a left-arm injury, aiming for a February comeback and to defend his Indian Wells title in March.

Briton Jack Draper said on Friday he will not compete in next month's Australian Open, citing ongoing recovery from an injury.


Draper, 10th in the world rankings, was forced to withdraw from the second round of the U.S. Open in August due to bone bruising in his left arm.


"Unfortunately, me and my team have decided not to head out to Australia this year. It's a really, really tough decision," the British number one said in a video posted on X.


The 24-year-old is targeting a February return alongside preparation for the defence of his Indian Wells title in March.


"This injury has been the most difficult and complex of my career," Draper added. "It's weird, it always seems to make me more resilient. I'm looking forward to getting back out there in 2026 and competing."


The Australian Open begins on January 18 in Melbourne.

-Angelica Medina/Reuters

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