Jack Draper made a successful return to the ATP Tour on February 23, 2026, defeating Quentin Halys 7-6(10-8), 6-3 in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
It was Draper’s first ATP Tour-level win in 182 days, marking his comeback after a six-month injury layoff following the 2025 US Open.
Seeded fourth in Dubai, the British No. 1 saved a set point at 4-5 in the opening set before winning a tense tie-break 10-8. He then controlled the second set to seal the match in just over 90 minutes.
After the match, Draper said he felt “really proud” and hopes to go “from strength to strength” as he rebuilds confidence and form.
Why Was Jack Draper Out for Six Months?
Draper suffered a bone bruise in his left arm during the 2025 US Open, forcing him to:
- End his 2025 season early
- Miss the entire 2026 Australian swing
- Skip the Australian Open
The 24-year-old explained that returning immediately to best-of-five-set tennis would not have been a smart long-term decision.
During his rehabilitation, Draper focused on strengthening his arm and refining his serve, a weapon he says has improved during the break.
Jack Draper Ranking in 2026
As of early 2026:
- 🌍 World No. 15
- 🇬🇧 British men’s No. 1
- 🏆 3 ATP titles
- 🏅 1 Masters 1000 title
- 💰 Over $8 million in career prize money
He reached a career-high world No. 4 in June 2025 after winning the Indian Wells Masters and finishing runner-up at the Madrid Open.
How Good Is Jack Draper?
Standing 6’4”, Draper is one of the most powerful left-handers on tour. His game is built around:
- A heavy first serve
- Aggressive baseline play
- A dominant forehand
- Strong performances on hard courts and grass
In 2024, he won his maiden ATP title at the Stuttgart Open and reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open.
His 2025 season established him as a genuine elite contender before injury halted his momentum at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
What’s Next for Draper?
Draper will face either Fabian Marozsan or Arthur Rinderknech in the second round in Dubai.
With Indian Wells approaching, where he is the defending champion, the focus now shifts to whether he can quickly return to top-five form.
Can Jack Draper Win a Grand Slam?
If fully healthy, Draper has:
- Masters 1000 pedigree
- Grand Slam semi-final experience
- Top-five ranking history
- Physical tools suited for major tournaments
The key question in 2026 is durability.
But one thing is clear after Dubai:
Jack Draper is back, and British tennis once again has a serious Grand Slam contender.
