The Jack Draper saga continues to grow stranger.
Today he withdrew from Mubadala DC Open with what he says is continuing problems with his left arm, which has stalled his career for over a year. Draper, with coach Andy Murray, was set to begin his North American hardcourt season and compete for the first time since Eastbourne in June. Following Eastbourne, the heavy hitting lefty withdrew from Wimbledon because of that left arm issue.
“These last months have felt like nothing but adversity and setbacks. Most days I’ve spent in doubt, yet hopeful that I can keep taking positive steps forward and finding ways to progress,” Draper stated on his Instagram account. “On days off, I reflect, and I’m only grateful for the struggle and what it’s teaching me. Finding acceptance and being patient with the process has been my biggest challenge, but I know I’m getting closer to where I want to be!”
Questions persist. How does he know the perpetual injury is about to cure itself after over a year of repeated lingering problems that have dropped his ranking from top ten to around 200?
Why doesn’t or can’t Jack specify what exactly the problem is? Is it rotator cuff, elbow, biceps, forearm?
I can’t recall any player have a vague arm problem like Draper says he is suffering. Jim Courier once claimed to have a “dead arm” during the later stages of his career when he was no longer competitive with the elites as major tournaments.
There is always the possibility, the left arm injury could be a cover for something else which can’t be publicly discussed. “The truth is never told, it has to be learned…”
The longer Draper’s career struggles in limbo, the situation will become more curious. Draper looked like a potential world no. 1 when he won Indian Wells less than two years ago. But then he was dropped by Nike at the height of his powers and his results have been irrelevant ever since.
Draper will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.
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