Wimbledon 2026: Jack Draper pulls out of first round on day as injury struggles continue

Britain’s Jack Draper said he was “very disappointed” after pulling out of Wimbledon less than 24 hours before his first-round match with a long-term injury.

Draper, who reached the semi-finals in Eastbourne last week, was due to face American sixth seed Taylor Fritz on Center Court on Tuesday.

However, the arm problem that sidelined him for most of last year prevented him from competing in a Grand Slam again.

“There have been a lot of painful moments in the last 12 months, but this is definitely the absolute worst,” Draper said.

It is the second significant blow to British interest after Emma Raducanu was ruled out on Sunday with a stress fracture in her right foot.

Draper spoke to the media at Wimbledon on Sunday and gave no hint that he was struggling again with a broken bone in his serving arm.

However, Draper said he felt the extent of the damage to leading players was “very concerning”.

More to follow.