British number one cites a hip niggle as the reason for withdrawing from planned sessions with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Jack Draper, ranked 15th in the world, has pulled out of a highly anticipated training week with Carlos Alcaraz in Spain due to a minor hip issue. The British number one, who was set to train with the Wimbledon champion ahead of the 2024 season, is currently restricted to gym work as he manages the injury.
Draper, 22, expressed disappointment over the decision, explaining, “It’s not fair on Carlos if I go and I’m not 100%. This was something my coach and I were really excited about, but I had to prioritise my recovery.”
Despite the setback, Draper remains part of Great Britain’s team for the United Cup, which begins on 27 December. However, his participation is uncertain, with the Australian Open looming on 12 January.
The injury comes at an inopportune time for Draper, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, winning ATP titles in Stuttgart and Vienna and reaching the US Open semi-finals. Unlike previous seasons, he has shown significant improvement in managing injuries.
This hip issue is reportedly unrelated to the problems he faced at the start of 2023, but Draper admits the timing is frustrating as he aims to build on his success. “I’ve been working incredibly hard to prepare for next year, so this is a bit of a setback,” he said.
Draper spoke about the injury while participating in a Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Society in west London. As an ambassador for the charity, he has shared personal stories about his grandmother’s battle with the disease, calling his grandfather—a primary caregiver—an “absolute hero.”
The training week with Alcaraz was seen as an opportunity for Draper to elevate his game further, but he remains optimistic about his preparation for the New Year once he recovers.
