Jack Draper returned to the ATP Tour in Montreal after a more than one-year absence due to a persistent left arm injury. The former world number four faced French player Térence Atmane in a Masters event, but his comeback quickly turned into a heart-wrenching defeat (3:6, 6:2, 2:6). During the third set, with the score at 1:4, Draper allowed himself to break down emotionally. He cried openly at the changeover, a moment that shocked spectators and highlighted the toll of his long rehabilitation journey.
Despite initial promise, Draper struggled visibly during the match. He managed to keep pace with Atmane in the first two sets, but once the third set began, his performance clearly deteriorated. His once-reliable serve lost power, and his movements appeared less sharp. British media later raised the possibility that pain from his recurring injury may have played a role in his decline. Prior to the match, Draper had described his injury as “very complicated,” indicating the physical and mental hurdles he has had to overcome.
Draper missed two major events this year due to his ongoing arm issues—the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Before Wimbledon, he gave fans a glimmer of hope by reaching the semifinals in Eastborne. His performance in Montreal has now cast doubt on his readiness to compete at his best.
Draper holds a wildcard entry for the Cincinnati Masters next week, an important preparatory tournament before the US Open starts on August 30. Whether he will use it to test his current fitness remains unclear. At 24 years old, the Briton faces a crucial phase in his career. He admitted: “Everyone around me is doing everything they can to move forward. But it’s not as simple as resting, healing, and coming back and everything is fine.”
Draper's struggles reflect the challenges many athletes face when returning from long-term injuries. His emotional display in Montreal underscores the immense pressure he is under to regain his form and prove he can compete at the highest level.