Jack Draper did not hit a ball at this weekend's UTS event in London However, world no. 10 still managed to enter the conversation. Despite receiving a wild card for the exhibition, the British star withdrew to give his troubled arm more time to heal.
Thus, he prolonged a frustrating absence that dates back to the early-stage US Open withdrawal. The talk around the Indian Wells winner remained overwhelmingly positive.
Patrick Mouratoglou, the famous coach, positioned Draper as one of the most exciting untapped forces in men's tennis when he plays without physical issues.
Mouratoglou has followed the young Briton for years. The famous coach is convinced that the left-hander possesses all the ingredients of a future top-5 player and a challenger of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the world's leading players.
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Jack's explosive baseline power and his natural competitiveness and tactical clarity have made him one of the most dangerous player on the Tour, especially in the first half of this season.
Despite a reduce schedule in 2025 due to setbacks, Draper still wrapped up the campaign in the top-10 - a testament to the sheer level he brings when healthy. A left-hander made a strong start to the season.
He claimed his first Masters 1000 crown in Indian Wells and backed it with the final in Madrid and the quarter-final in Rome. He became world no. 4 but could not keep up with that pace.
The young Briton injured his serving arm and lost momentum. He struggled during the grass swing and missed two Masters 1000 events in order to recover. He won a match in New York before withdrawing ahead of the second-round duel.
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Jack decided to wrap up his season and recover for a strong start of 2026. World no. 10 will lead Great Britain at the United Cup before embracing the ultimate challenge at the Australian Open.
If his body allows for a full season, Mouratoglou and many believe the men's game could gain another elite contender for notable titles. Alcaraz and Sinner have pushed the standard sky-high, but Draper is eager to join the fight.
"I already said it several years ago. If Jack can stay injury-free, he is definitely a top-5 player. He has the potential to challenge Carlos and Jannik. He definitely has everything to succeed.
The mentality is there, which is the most important thing. He is an incredible competitor who combines ambition and intelligence. I appreciate him and his exceptionally powerful game a lot.
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His main problem in recent years has been recurring injuries. Even though he only played six months this year, he finished in the top-10. That says a lot about his potential if he stays injury-free," Patrick Mouratoglou said.
