Former world number four Jack Draper handed Montreal wild card in injury comeback
The British tennis player has been granted entry to the National Bank Open as he attempts to rebuild his ranking and salvage his US Open hopes after a devastating year of injuries.
Jack Draper has been awarded a wild card for the National Bank Open in Montreal. The British tennis player receives one of the final entries alongside Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl. This marks a critical step in his return from a persistent left arm injury.
The former world number four has endured a severely disrupted 2026 season. He has missed all three Grand Slam tournaments this year, including the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. His ranking has subsequently plummeted to 147th in the ATP standings.
This Montreal opportunity follows a late withdrawal from this week’s DC Open in Washington. Draper has participated in only five tour events this year, with his most recent appearance occurring last month in Eastbourne. His comeback has been further complicated by intermittent knee and shoulder issues since he first stepped away from the tour a year ago.
The stakes for this North American swing are exceptionally high for his career trajectory. Missing direct entry into the main draw means Draper will likely face a grueling qualifying campaign for September’s US Open. His participation in the final major tournament of 2026 remains uncertain.
Despite the setbacks, the player, coached by Sir Andy Murray, remains optimistic about his physical condition. Draper noted the difficulty of the past year but emphasized his current readiness. "I've had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it," he said ahead of his Washington withdrawal.
He added that he feels physically better than at any point in the last year. The Montreal tournament, broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 3, will serve as a vital benchmark for his fitness ahead of the US Open, which begins on August 30. It will determine whether his rehabilitation is sufficient to navigate the demands of the upcoming qualifying rounds.
