Jack Draper’s quest for the Top starts over in Dubai

After a seven-month absence following a severe arm injury, British No. 1 Jack Draper returns to the ATP Tour today at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

23 February 2026

Jack Draper, 2025 | © Imago / PsNewz

Cédric Rouquette

After a seven-month hiatus due to a complex arm injury, British No. 1 Jack Draper returns to the ATP Tour today in Dubai. Facing French qualifier Quentin Halys, the 24-year-old looks to prove that his new perspective and elite training have made him a more dangerous player than the World No. 4 he was before the layoff.

The aviation-themed architecture of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium provides a fitting backdrop for Draper – a player seeking clearance for takeoff after a grounding that felt like an eternity. Since withdrawing from the 2025 US Open with a severe humerus stress injury, the Briton has been a ghost on the tour. Today’s first-round clash against Halys is the official start of a 2026 campaign Draper believes will lead him to the very summit of the game.

Jack Draper Injury Update and World No. 12 Ranking

Despite his ranking sliding to World No. 12 during his absence, Draper arrived in the UAE radiating confidence. Speaking to the media in Dubai, he was firm about the quality of his rehabilitation. I believe I’m a better player than I was six months ago, Draper told Sky Sports. I’ve used this injury as an opportunity to look at my game from the outside. Maybe I was trying too hard to hit the ball harder, to get free points, and that was a stress on my body.

This mental shift is paired with a significant tactical change. Draper has officially integrated Jamie Delgado – the man who guided Andy Murray to World No. 1 and recently revitalized Grigor Dimitrov’s career – as his lead coach. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between Draper and the Big Two of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. I’m really hungry to get where they are, Draper admitted. They are leading the sport, and I’m going to do everything to challenge that dominance.

Defending 1,000 Points at Indian Wells and the Halys Match

Standing in the way of the No. 4 seed today is Quentin Halys (World No. 72), a player who thrives in the fast desert conditions. Having reached the semi-finals here last year, the Frenchman is already in rhythm after two qualifying wins this weekend. For Draper, the match represents the first real test of his new biomechanics.

The timing is critical: Draper needs match wins immediately, as he heads to Indian Wells next week with a massive 1,000 ranking points to defend following his 2025 title run. Failure to go deep in the California desert could see his ranking tumble outside the Top 30.

Jack Draper, Australian Open 2025 | © Julien Nouet / Tennis Majors

Why Jack Draper Postponed His Return and Missed the Australian Open

The road to Dubai was marked by strategic withdrawals that tested Draper’s patience. He originally hoped to return at the UTS Grand Final in late 2025 and the Australian Open in January 2026, but he and Delgado prioritized long-term health. It was incredibly tough to sit out Melbourne, Draper admitted. Rushing into a best-of-five-set format after such a long layoff with a humerus injury was a risk we weren’t willing to take.

By skipping those events, Draper has ensured he arrives in Dubai fit and match-hardened. If his lefty serve remains the weapon it was in early 2025, Dubai may well be the first step in his evolution from a contender back to a champion.