French Open 2023: Jack Draper’s Injury Woes Continue, Despite Fighting Spirit

Tennis Player Jack Draper Forced to Retire on His French Open Senior Debut

The world of tennis has, once again, been hit by news of an injury that forced British player Jack Draper out of his first-round match against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Despite starting well and battling for a win, the young talent had to retire early in the second set due to a shoulder issue.

This was only his first senior debut at Roland Garros but it seems as though injuries have plagued him throughout his career. In fact, this is the third successive Grand Slam match where his performance has been affected by injury.

“I Hate Being The Guy Who Is Injured A Lot”

In an interview after retiring, Draper expressed frustration over being consistently injured: “It’s difficult. It’s extremely tough; tougher than playing and losing. I feel a bit mentally destroyed…It’s really frustrating…I hate being the guy who is injured a lot.”

This sentiment echoes what many athletes go through when they are not able to perform their best due to physical setbacks despite training hard and performing well during matches.

Struggling With Physical Problems Throughout His Young Career

Draper started serving underarm in the first set of this match against Etcheverry, which could be attributed partly due to his shoulder issue. This has been the third successive Grand Slam match where his performance has been affected by injury. After retiring from his US Open third-round match against Karen Khachanov with a hamstring problem, he suffered cramping during his Australian Open defeat by Rafael Nadal. He also retired from his meeting with Spain’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells back in March.

Trying to Bounce Back and Not Give Up

The British player did not want to give up even if it meant playing three sets underarm or however way possible. However, he realized there was no point in making things worse for himself since the grass season is around the corner.

Draper’s physical troubles come at a time when British tennis is missing its most successful young player – Emma Raducanu – through injury as well. The 20-year-old has struggled with a series of niggles that have hampered her progress since her stunning US Open victory in 2021 and she is sidelined for coming months after wrist and ankle surgeries.

This serves as an example that injuries are just part of any athlete’s career – whether you’re just starting out or already considered one of the best players in history.