Emotional Moment at Canadian Open Highlights Jack Draper’s Struggle

Tennis star Jack Draper faced a personal and professional crisis when he shed tears during his first-round match against Térence Atmane at the Canadian Open. The 24-year-old reflects on this moment of vulnerability, describing it as a time where emotions overwhelmed him due to years of setbacks.

Draper has been dealing with a bone bruise injury in his left arm for over a year and had to make significant changes to his playing style to reduce the strain. Focusing on improving his game through consistent work, Draper now finds himself in an accepting phase where he is ready to rebuild from scratch.

According to reporting by The Guardian - Tennis:

Rock Bottom to Rebuilding

“Last week came from a place of so much focus and change. I got to No 4 in the world through doing the same things, and then went through this whole process of setbacks,” Draper explains. “I was emotional because I didn’t recognize myself on court due to my injuries and probably how I’ve been feeling for a long time.”

Changing Rackets and Strings

In his quest to recover from the injury, Draper has made several bold changes. He’s reverted to playing with a hybrid gut string setup after initially removing some strings, and now uses an unfamiliar, more flexible racket. The details of the new racket are not disclosed.

According to reporting by The Guardian - Tennis:

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Draper is hopeful but cognizant of his current condition. “When you reach rock bottom like that, you can come back up again,” he adds. Draper’s next challenge comes at the Cincinnati Open as a wildcard recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Jack Draper been dealing with this injury?

Jack Draper has faced an arm injury for 15 months, which has significantly impacted his performance and lifestyle.

What changes did Doctor make to his playing style?

To reduce strain on his left arm, Draper reverted to a hybrid gut string setup and started using a new, more flexible racket frame. Details of the brand are not disclosed yet.