Jack Draper: Return to Form, Indian Wells Menu & Training Regrets

Jack Draper’s return to competitive tennis following a significant injury layoff has been marked by cautious optimism and a measured approach to regaining peak form. After playing a pivotal role in Great Britain’s 4-0 Davis Cup victory over Norway in early February, Draper was initially advised to sit out the ATP 250 event in Rotterdam. The decision, according to reports, was designed to protect his arm and allow for continued rehabilitation.

The 24-year-old, who reached a career-high No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings last season, had been sidelined since his opening-round match at the US Open in August against Sebastian Baez with a bruised bone in his service arm. His absence was keenly felt, particularly given his impressive run to the Indian Wells final in 2023, where he defeated top-five players Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz before claiming his first Masters 1000 title with a win over Holger Rune.

However, Draper evidently felt ready to resume tournament play, and he entered the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. He secured a first-round victory over Quentin Halys, demonstrating few lingering effects from the injury. While he ultimately fell in three sets to Arthur Rinderknech in the subsequent round, Draper expressed satisfaction with his performance and, more importantly, his body’s response to the demands of competitive play.

“I was very happy with the week in Dubai,” Draper told BBC Sport. “It wasn’t so much about my level, it was how I was going to respond to the matches, to the practice. That was kind of the final hurdle, really. I was proud of just getting out there and competing hard and doing what I love once again. Potentially it was probably a good thing that I wasn’t playing match after match after match.”

The win over Viktor Durasovic in Oslo, completed 6-2, 6-2, was a significant step in Draper’s comeback. It signaled not only his physical readiness but also his mental fortitude. The Davis Cup tie saw Great Britain dominate Norway, with Cameron Norrie also securing a straight-sets victory over Nicolai Budkov Kjaer (6-4, 6-4). The doubles pairing of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool then clinched the tie for Great Britain, overcoming Durasovic and Kjaer in a hard-fought three-setter (6-2, 2-6, 7-6(5)). Jacob Fearnley completed the sweep with a 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 win in the final match.

The comprehensive victory underscored Great Britain’s strength in depth and their ambitions for further success in the Davis Cup. They will now compete in the second round of the Qualifiers in September, aiming to reach the Final 8 in Bologna in November, where eight nations will battle for the coveted trophy. Italy are the current three-time defending champions.

Beyond the on-court action, Draper’s victory in Indian Wells last year came with a unique perk: the opportunity to curate the menu for the 2026 Champions Lunch. Draper opted for a classic – steak and chips – specifically a grass-fed filet mignon accompanied by parmigiano truffle fries and a green peppercorn sauce. The choice, however, proved somewhat ill-timed.

“I’m not feeling too great about that choice now,” Draper admitted before the meal was served. “I’ve got to practise in about an hour. When I said that I was probably very deep in a training block, and having a very strict diet.”

The women’s champion at Indian Wells, Mirra Andreeva, selected cheese pancakes with vanilla-honey mascarpone for dessert, a decision she later regretted. Draper’s lighthearted comment highlighted the challenges faced by professional athletes in balancing indulgence with the demands of peak physical conditioning.

The absence of Casper Ruud from the Norwegian team, due to the recent birth of his first child, undoubtedly impacted their chances against a strong Great Britain side. However, Draper’s performance and successful return from injury were the defining features of the tie. His ability to navigate the physical and mental challenges of competition after a prolonged absence bodes well for his future prospects on the ATP Tour.

Draper’s comeback story is not merely about returning to the court; it’s about rediscovering the joy of competition and building momentum towards a return to the form that saw him challenge the world’s best players in 2023. The cautious approach adopted by his team, prioritizing his long-term health and well-being, appears to be paying dividends. As he continues to build match fitness and refine his game, Jack Draper will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the months to come.