Jack Draper to Miss Early 2025 Season Events Due to Hip Injury

British number one Jack Draper will not participate in the initial event of the 2025 season due to a hip injury. However, he expressed being “very positive” regarding his participation in the Australian Open. The 22-year-old had previously called off a training session with four-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz in Spain earlier this week, citing a “little bit of a niggle”. Draper stated that he has received medical advice recommending against his participation for Great Britain in the United Cup team competition, which commences on 30 December against Argentina in Sydney. He will also be absent from the Davis Cup tie scheduled for late January in Japan. The Australian Open is set to begin in Melbourne on 12 January. “As I work to get on top of my hip injury and get match fit, I have unfortunately been advised not to play in the United Cup,” he stated in a message shared on his social media channels. He added, “While we are very positive about competing in the Australian Open this year, I know I won’t be able to jump straight into a packed schedule as I manage and strengthen my hip.” Draper also conveyed his disappointment, saying, “I’m gutted as I was really looking forward to playing in the United Cup for the first time.” Draper achieved a world ranking of number 15 following his victories in ATP tournaments in Stuttgart and Vienna, and reaching the semi-finals of the US Open during his breakthrough 2024 season. He plans to spend Christmas in the UK before traveling to Melbourne later this month. He is not anticipated to compete in any tournaments prior to the Australian Open. “Together with [captain] Leon [Smith], we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan in order to give me the opportunity post-Australian Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip,” he further stated. This situation might create an opportunity for 23-year-old Jacob Fearnley to debut in the Davis Cup during his inaugural full year on the professional tour. Should Draper be unavailable, Fearnley, who has ascended to world number 99 after a swift climb in the ATP rankings this year, would become the second highest-ranked British singles player eligible. Cameron Norrie, currently ranked 49th globally, may also rejoin the squad, having been absent from the September round-robin event where Britain failed to advance to November’s knockout stage.