Home / Sports / Draper's Barcelona Bid Ends in Injury Retreat
Draper's Barcelona Bid Ends in Injury Retreat
15 Apr
Summary
- Jack Draper retired mid-match at Barcelona Open due to right leg injury.
- This follows a prior six-month absence for a left arm injury.
- Draper vowed to overcome current setbacks with hard work.
Jack Draper was forced to retire from his first-round match at the Barcelona Open on Monday due to a right leg injury. The British player, who had only recently returned to competition in February after a six-month absence due to a left arm issue, pulled up while trailing in the deciding set. He attempted to continue playing with taping below his right knee but ultimately had to withdraw.
Draper took to social media to express his disappointment, stating, "It will take time but I will work my way out of this." He had aimed to kick-start his clay court campaign in Barcelona before the upcoming French Open. His return to action in February saw him defeat Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells, though his subsequent performances in Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami were mixed.
Tomas Etcheverry, Draper's opponent, acknowledged Draper's fighting spirit and expressed hope for his swift recovery. Draper, formerly ranked world number four, has slipped to 28th in the rankings, and this latest injury raises further questions about his physical resilience on the tour.
