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Jack Draper Gives Injury Update After Retiring Against Alcaraz

Jack Draper Gives Injury Update After Retiring Against Alcaraz

Jack Draper described his hip problem as a “ticking time bomb” after he was forced to retire from his Australian Open fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz, trailing 7-5, 6-1.

The British No. 1 entered the tournament with limited preparation due to a flare-up of tendinitis, which he admitted he was still managing. After playing three five-set matches and spending over 12.5 hours on the court, the strain proved too much. Following a medical timeout after a competitive first set, Draper struggled in the second, ultimately opting to shake hands when Alcaraz established a decisive lead.

“I’ve been surprisingly able to put my body through so much more than I ever have before,” Draper reflected. “I think it’s just massive overload. If I don’t handle this issue correctly and make wise decisions, I could miss three to four months.”

He noted that the pain intensified early in the second set, despite feeling relatively fine that morning. “Once I realized Carlos’ intensity, it became clear that I had overexerted myself,” he said. “From the third game, I was feeling significant pain, particularly in my hip.”

Draper is hopeful that the injury won’t keep him off the court for long and is considering an injection for relief. “It’s not a long-term issue at all,” he stated. “I just need to be sensible as there’s no escape from the tight tennis schedule ahead. I have many upcoming events, and I want to have a good, consistent year. I’ve managed to stay relatively injury-free over the last 18 months, which has allowed me to play well in key tournaments.”

He faced additional challenges during the match, as Djokovic received a preferred night session slot, leaving Draper to contend with the intense heat on one of the tournament’s warmest days. He admitted to feeling pressured from the start, though Alcaraz struggled initially, narrowly taking the first set.

By the end of the second set, however, Draper could barely chase down shots, and Alcaraz was preparing for the handshake. “Considering everything, I’m extremely proud of my efforts,” the 23-year-old expressed. “While my tennis has been somewhat lackluster this week, my competitiveness and desire to win have pushed me to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam, which I take great pride in.”

With growing physical demands in tennis, Draper is mindful of managing his hip issue. “Everyone is moving exceptionally well and hitting the ball hard,” he noted. “We’re all putting our bodies in challenging positions, and it’s not easy. I have to look after this area of my body, probably for the rest of my career.”

The injury also prevented Draper from training with Alcaraz in Spain last month. The two are friends, and Alcaraz, who may now face Djokovic, voiced his disappointment for Draper. “It’s not how I wanted to advance, but I’m happy to reach another quarter-final. I feel sad for Jack; he’s a great person who doesn’t deserve to go through this. I’m confident he’ll come back stronger and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Credit: The Independent

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