Draper Overcomes ‘Dark Moments’ Ahead of Davis Cup Return

Draper Overcomes ‘Dark Moments’ Ahead of Davis Cup Return

Jack Draper says he’s overcome “a lot of dark moments” during his injury lay-off and is now ready to help lead Great Britain in their Davis Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo on February 6–7.

The 24-year-old British number one missed most of the 2025 season due to a persistent upper left arm injury that first flared up during the clay-court swing. Since Wimbledon, Draper has played just one singles match and was forced to withdraw from the US Open and Australian Open.

Now healthy and selected for national duty, Draper is eager to return to competitive action.

“I miss the buzz of competing. I’ve missed the thrill of playing in front of people, against great players, and that winning feeling you can’t replicate in training,” he told the LTA.

‘It’s Been a Journey’ – Draper Targets Comeback

Draper enjoyed a breakthrough first half in 2025, reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, winning his first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells, and reaching World No.4 in June.

Though his comeback attempt at the US Open ended early, Draper is using that strong form as fuel to climb back to the top.

“Last year started off amazingly well. The second half was extremely challenging,” he said. “I’ve taken belief from the first half. I want to be competing at the top. It’ll be a journey to get back there, but I’m improving every day.”

Davis Cup: Britain Take on Norway Without Ruud

Great Britain—10-time champions—will face a Norwegian side missing top star Casper Ruud, who recently became a father. That leaves Nicolai Budkov Kjaer (World No. 133) and Viktor Durasovic (No. 329) as the hosts’ top singles players.

Draper is set to face Durasovic, while Cameron Norrie takes on Kjaer. Britain also boasts a strong doubles pairing in Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, plus Jacob Fearnley as the third singles option.

Despite the rankings gap, Draper warns against complacency:

“They’ve got a young guy in Kjaer, former junior No.1, who’s playing great tennis. We have to fight for every point. We’re ready for that.”

What’s at Stake?

The winner of the Norway vs Great Britain tie will move on to face either Australia or Ecuador in the second qualifying round. Victory there would book a place at the Davis Cup Finals in Italy this November.