Jack Draper has officially withdrawn from the Australian Open after losing the first two sets to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in their fourth-round match on Sunday, 19th January. The British No.1, who had been battling a lingering hip injury sustained before Christmas, faced a difficult start to the season, which prevented him from competing in any warm-up events before the Grand Slam.
Draper’s injury woes
Draper, who was seeded No. 15 at the tournament, made a remarkable run to the fourth round by winning three gruelling five-set matches. However, his battle with Alcaraz proved too much as his injury flared up during the match. The two players exchanged breaks in the opening set, but Alcaraz soon gained the upper hand, breaking Draper’s serve with a stunning running forehand pass after 58 minutes of play.
The 23-year-old British left-hander, clearly struggling physically, called for a medical timeout before the start of the second set. His discomfort continued, particularly in his back, leading him to stop pursuing drop shots. With the scoreline at 7-5, 6-1 in favour of Alcaraz, Draper conceded the match after just 1 hour and 36 minutes, shaking hands with his friend Alcaraz in a gesture of sportsmanship.
British hopes end at the Australian Open
Draper’s withdrawal marks the end of British hopes in the singles draw of the Australian Open, following Emma Raducanu's heavy defeat to Iga Swiatek the previous day. With both players eliminated, there are no British singles competitors left in the tournament.
Alcaraz expresses sympathy for Draper
Carlos Alcaraz, who is now set to advance to the quarter-finals, expressed his regret over Draper’s injury. “This is not the way I want to win a match and get through,” said Alcaraz. “I am happy to play another quarter-final in Australia, but I am sad for Jack. He doesn’t deserve this injury, especially after being unable to prepare fully for the season.”
Alcaraz, 21, added that he hopes Draper will recover quickly and return stronger in the future. "I am sure he will come back stronger, and I just wish him a speedy recovery," Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz’s quest for the Career Grand Slam
Looking ahead, Alcaraz will now face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final after the Serbian defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) in straight sets.
Alcaraz aims to become the youngest player to win a career Grand Slam, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record. After reaching the quarter-finals in Melbourne last year, the World No. 3 is eager to improve upon his best performance at the Australian Open.
“I am just happy with the level I am playing,” said Alcaraz. “Physically, I am feeling great. Coming into the second week of a Grand Slam, it is important to feel good.”
Draper’s recovery time was severely limited, as his third-round win over Aleksandar Vukic only concluded at 12:55 am on Saturday. With his match against Alcaraz scheduled as the third match on Rod Laver Arena, which began just after 4 pm on one of the hottest days of the tournament, Draper’s chances were further hampered by the quick turnaround and extreme heat.