Jack Draper loses in Canadian Open first round

British tennis star Jack Draper's return from a persistent arm injury ended in an emotional defeat at the Canadian Open on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, casting doubt on his participation in upcoming major tournaments. In his first competitive match since late June, Draper lost to France's Térence Atmane 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 during the first round in Montreal. Midway through the decisive third set, a visibly distressed Draper was seen wiping away tears during a changeover, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of his prolonged injury struggles.

The 24-year-old, who received a main-draw wildcard for the event, showed flashes of the form that propelled him to a world No. 4 ranking in June 2025. After dropping the first set, he dominated the second 6-2, leveling the match and appearing poised for a comeback victory. However, his challenge faltered in the third set as he was broken early and struggled physically. He finished the match but his emotional reaction prompted immediate concern over a potential re-aggravation of his injury.

Draper's recent history has been defined by setbacks. A bone bruise in his serving arm first emerged during the 2025 US Open, forcing him to withdraw and...