Jack Draper: Injured British number one cancels Carlos Alcaraz training
Jack Draper has canceled a planned week of training with Carlos Alcaraz due to a “little niggle” in his hip.
Britain’s number one was due to train with the Wimbledon champions in Spain next week but is currently restricted to working in the gym.
Draper is part of the GB squad that will compete in the United Cup on December 27, but it is uncertain whether he will be fit to play.
The Australian Open starts on January 12 in Melbourne.
“I’ve been working really hard the last few weeks to hopefully make progress next year,” Draper said.
“I did have a little problem with my hip and I had to make the decision in terms of going to Spain and training with Carlos at such an intensity because it wouldn’t be 100 per cent fair to him if I went and I didn’t.
“It’s something we’re very excited about and (his coach) James (Trotman) and I have been talking about it for a while.
“Trying to go out and play with the best players in the world and get regular exposure at the highest level possible to get ready for the new year.”
Draper said the injury was different from the hip issues that plagued him early in 2023, but it happened at a time that annoyed the 22-year-old.
After winning ATP titles in Stuttgart and Vienna, he has risen to No. 15 in the world and has shown greater resistance to injury this year.
The US Open semi-finalist was speaking at the Alzheimer’s Society’s “Memory Walk” event in west London. Draper, who is an ambassador for the charity, spoke movingly about the impact the disease had on his grandmother.
Shortly before the walk, he described his grandfather, his grandmother’s primary caregiver, as “an absolute hero for continuing to do what he was doing.”
