Jack Draper will not be eligible for a protected ranking upon his anticipated return to the tour in January. ATP rules stipulate that only players sidelined for a minimum of six months retain the ranking they held at the time of their departure. Currently positioned at No. 155 in the world, the British star would need to rely on wildcards or navigate qualifying draws to gain entry into Grand Slam main draws and ATP Tour events.
Ranking Concerns Secondary to Health
However, ranking logistics appear to be a minor consideration for Draper, provided he can return to competition pain-free. The 23-year-old reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4 in June of last year, a surge fueled by his maiden Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and a runner-up finish in Madrid.
“Last summer, all the dedication and work I had put into this sport was coming together,”
Draper added. “It was all going my way and the path seemed so clear. However a complicated injury made things incredibly challenging, and since that moment I’ve been desperately trying to get back and feel as I once did on the court.”
Mental Reset and Gradual Return
The extended absence has taken a significant toll, both physically and mentally. Draper acknowledged the difficulty of the period but noted the personal growth it forced.
“Managing so much change, adversity and pain has helped me to grow massively in many areas of my life but has also made me feel a level of fatigue.”
In an effort to facilitate recovery, Draper recently stepped away from the sport entirely, taking a holiday with friends to secure a mental break. His team is now preparing for a phased return to training over the coming weeks, with a primary focus on identifying the root causes of the persistent injury that has stalled his momentum.
