Jack Draper has withdrawn from January's Australian Open as he continues to recover from bone bruising in his left arm.
Britain's top-ranked male player, currently sitting at world number 10, announced the news via a video posted on X on Boxing Day.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since late August when he was forced to retire from his second-round US Open encounter against Zizou Bergs due to the persistent arm complaint.
His absence from Melbourne means he will have competed in just a single match since Wimbledon.
Jack Draper took to social media to update fans on his condition
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Draper will also miss the United Cup, scheduled for the week preceding the Grand Slam.
In his video message, Draper explained the reasoning behind the decision: "It's a really, really tough decision with Australia being a Grand Slam and one of the biggest tournaments in our sport.
"However I've had this injury for a long time. I'm at the very, very end stages of the process. To step back on court into best-of-five-set tennis so soon just doesn't seem like a smart decision for me and my tennis."
The announcement came just days after the British player had reportedly been filmed telling supporters he intended to compete in Australia.
Draper acknowledged the toll this particular setback has taken, describing it as far more demanding than previous obstacles he has faced.
"I've obviously been through a fair amount of setbacks so far but by far and away, this one has been the most difficult, the most challenging and the most complex one that I've had," he said.
Jack Draper has managed just one singles match since Wimbledon
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Despite the frustration, the three-time ATP Tour title winner struck an optimistic tone about his future.
"It's weird, it always seems to make me more resilient, to make me hungrier to become the player I want to become even more," Draper added.
"I'm looking forward to getting back out there in 2026 and competing."
Physical setbacks have plagued Draper throughout his career.
A shoulder problem kept him out for two and a half months during 2023, while an abdominal injury affected his 2024 campaign.
— jack draper (@jackdraper0) December 26, 2025
He also dealt with hip troubles ahead of the recently concluded season.
The arm issue first emerged during the clay-court swing earlier this year.
Following scans after worsening pain contributed to a second-round Wimbledon defeat to Marin Cilic, Draper spent a month without serving and more than two weeks avoiding groundstrokes before attempting the US Open.
There are still concerns over Jack Draper's left arm | REUTERSHis 2025 season had begun promisingly, with the Briton claiming his maiden Masters 1000 crown at Indian Wells, defeating Carlos Alcaraz en route, and climbing to a career-best fourth in the rankings.