Jack Draper: Tearful Briton struggles in comeback defeat at Canadian Open
British tennis player Jack Draper suffered a first-round exit at the Canadian Open following a long-term injury layoff. The 24-year-old became visibly emotional during the match, citing recurring physical discomfort.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the physical toll of professional tennis and the psychological challenges athletes face when attempting to return from chronic injuries.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Jack Draper won the Indian Wells Open before injury cut his 2025 season short
Jack Draper broke down in tears midway through his return to the court after long-term injury difficulties as he suffered a first-round exit at the Canadian Open.
In his first appearance since June, the 24-year-old Briton took France's Terence Atmane to three sets before recurring discomfort appeared to limit his play and he lost 6-3 2-6 6-2.
Draper received a main-draw wildcard at the tournament in Montreal after a persistent arm injury kept him sidelined and caused his world ranking to plummet from fourth to as low as 160th in a 12-month period.
Since injuring his shoulder at the US Open in August, Draper has struggled with bone bruising and pulled out of scheduled comebacks at Wimbledon and the Washington Open this summer.
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