Draper had the best year of his career in 2024, winning his first ATP title, becoming British number one and reaching the semi-finals of the US Open, and is looking forward to further improving his physical strength before the start of the 2025 season. I was doing it.
But those plans were scrapped when the hip injury recurred after “a week of preseason” in December, Draper said.
“Basically, I had tendinitis in my hip, so I had to get an MRI done,” he said.
“I’ve had problems in that area in the past, and those haven’t gone away. I’m still dealing with them.
“In preseason, I had pain in my back and couldn’t walk. It was really tough.”
Draper said he was unable to play for “about two or three weeks” before flying to Australia between Christmas and New Year’s.
He started hitting again at Melbourne Park before playing practice sets with Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in preparation for the opening match.
Former British number one Annabelle Croft told BBC Radio 5 Sport Extra: “You have to really feel sorry for him.”
“Every time he comes back there is a setback and you lose that momentum and practice time.
“Many players spend a year competing, resting and training, but his body is letting its guard down, so he’s always at risk.”
