Jack Draper Opens Up on Avoiding Alcaraz's Australian Open Final Victory

The British star admitted watching his rival's historic triumph was too painful during his injury layoff.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Jack Draper revealed he largely avoided watching Carlos Alcaraz's victory in the 2026 Australian Open final, as it was too difficult to process while sidelined by a complex bone stress injury. The British star, who had a breakthrough 2025 season cut short by the injury, said seeing his rival achieve tennis history was painful to watch from afar. However, Draper acknowledged Alcaraz's greatness and said the experience has fueled his own hunger to return to the top.

Why it matters

Draper's candid admission provides a rare glimpse into the emotional toll an extended injury layoff can take on an elite athlete. His comments highlight the challenges players face in balancing their competitive drive with the mental strain of being sidelined from the sport they love.

The details

Draper's momentum-shifting 2025 season was cut short by a complex bone stress injury in his left playing arm. After capturing his first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells and reaching a career-high of World No. 4, the injury forced him to shut down his season following a first-round win at the 2025 US Open. The resulting five-month hiatus saw Draper miss several critical stops on the tour, including the entire 2025 Asian swing, the Paris Masters, and the ATP Finals in Turin.

  • Draper was forced to withdraw from the 2025 US Open after his first-round win.
  • Draper missed the entire 2025 Asian swing, the Paris Masters, and the ATP Finals in Turin.
  • Draper also withdrew from the 2026 Australian Open and the United Cup, as he felt his arm wasn't yet ready for the physical toll of best-of-five-set tennis.

The players

Jack Draper

A British professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4 in 2025 before a complex bone stress injury in his left playing arm forced him to shut down his season prematurely.

Carlos Alcaraz

A Spanish professional tennis player who won the 2026 Australian Open final, completing the Career Grand Slam at the age of 22.

Novak Djokovic

A Serbian professional tennis player who was the runner-up in the 2026 Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't, not really. I watched a little bit of the final. It was quite difficult to watch what was going on out there, knowing that I was missing out.”

— Jack Draper

“But Alcaraz winning, I think he's a great champion and already a legend of the game. And to see him win the Career Slam was really good to see.”

— Jack Draper

“Of course. I wouldn't be a competitor if I didn't want that. So I think part of me doesn't want to watch it because I know that it hurts.”

— Jack Draper

“But at the same time, it's good to be able to see what these guys are achieving so that then I can put that fire, that fuel into a positive place and work hard in the practice court, work hard on my career to get to a good position as well.”

— Jack Draper

What’s next

Draper is set to take on Norway's Nicolai Budkov Kjær in his next singles outing for Great Britain in the Davis Cup qualifiers first round.

The takeaway

Draper's candid admission about the emotional toll of his injury layoff and the difficulty of watching his rivals achieve success in his absence highlights the mental challenges elite athletes face when sidelined. However, his determination to use that experience as motivation to work harder and reclaim his own place at the top of the sport is a testament to his competitive spirit and resilience.