Jack Draper forced to withdraw during Carlos Alcaraz clash
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Jack Draper’s physical issues returned at the Australian Open and he lasted only two sets of his fourth-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz. The British number one came into the tournament with little preparation after a hip injury suffered in pre-season, which he admitted he was still having to manage.
He then put his body through three five-set matches, spending more than 12 and a half hours on court, and it proved too much. After taking a medical timeout at the end of a competitive first set, Draper became increasingly compromised in the second and, after Alcaraz took a 7-5 6-1 lead, the 15th seed opted to shake hands.
Draper had expressed pride in his improved physical resilience and he must hope he has not done any further damage that could affect the rest of his season. The 23-year-old had been due to spend a training week with Alcaraz in Spain in December, but was forced to cancel because of the injury.
The Spaniard, who could now face Novak Djokovic, said: “It’s not the way that I wanted to get through. I’m just happy obviously to play another quarter-final but a little bit sad for Jack. “He’s a really nice person, he doesn’t deserve to get injured. He couldn’t prepare at the start of the season well. I’m pretty sure he’s going to come back stronger as always he does and I just want to wish him a speedy recovery.”.
