British tennis sensation Jack Draper is finally poised to make his return to the ATP Tour after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Following a frustrating seven-month hiatus caused by a significant left arm injury, the 23-year-old has confirmed his comeback schedule, much to the excitement of UK tennis fans.
Draper, who achieved a career-high world ranking of World No. 4 after his spectacular title run at Indian Wells in 2025, saw his momentum abruptly halted. His absence has been keenly felt on the tour, with many observers eager to see the powerful left-hander back in competitive action.
The Road Back: From Injury to Rotterdam
The initial target for Draper’s comeback was the Australian Open, but ultimately, the timing proved too tight, leading to a planned withdrawal ahead of the tournament. However, positive updates confirm that Draper is now firmly expected to be back competing in February. His first official appearance is slated for Great Britain’s crucial Davis Cup qualifier tie against Norway.
Adding significant weight to the comeback narrative, the tournament organizers for the 2026 ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam officially confirmed Draper’s inclusion on the entry list this Wednesday evening. This prestigious ATP 500 event serves as the perfect launchpad for a player looking to immediately re-establish his top-tier credentials.
A Star-Studded Rotterdam Field
The confirmation places Draper among an elite roster in the Netherlands. Sharing the court with him will be some of the biggest names in contemporary men's tennis, including Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Other formidable players such as Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Bublik will also feature, meaning Draper will face an immediate, high-calibre test upon his return.
This Rotterdam appearance also sets the stage perfectly for Draper’s defence of his Indian Wells title in March. If he can manage to build crucial match fitness and rhythm in February, fans will be optimistic that he can carry that momentum into the Californian desert swing.
It is worth noting that Draper’s 2025 season was marred by an earlier setback. He was forced to retire during his fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open that year due to a hip injury, showcasing the frustrating string of physical challenges that have impacted his ascent.
Context: The Importance of a Strong Return
For Jack Draper, securing a solid run in Rotterdam is more than just adding ranking points; it’s about regaining confidence in a body that has recently betrayed him. His powerful serve and formidable forehand make him a genuine threat to any player on the tour when fully fit. However, the rust accumulated over seven months of competitive inactivity is a significant factor that even the most talented athletes must overcome.
The presence of fellow Briton Cameron Norrie in the Rotterdam field adds an extra layer of intrigue, offering Draper a potential domestic benchmark early in his return phase.
Wildcard Watch: Wawrinka’s Swan Song Continues
The Rotterdam event also features a compelling storyline involving Stan Wawrinka. The three-time Grand Slam champion has been handed a wildcard entry for the 2026 edition. Having announced that this season will be his final on the professional tour—a decision that saddened many loyal followers—Wawrinka is looking to make the most of his remaining tournaments.
The Swiss veteran, who famously won the Rotterdam title back in 2015, showed flashes of his enduring quality recently, securing a notable victory over Shanghai Masters finalist Arthur Rinderknech at the United Cup. Wawrinka will be using the lead-up to the Australian Open, where he captured his maiden major title in 2014, to sharpen his game.
While Draper targets a fresh start and a push back into the elite echelon, Wawrinka aims to deliver a memorable farewell tour. The dual narratives promise that the 2026 Rotterdam Open will be a must-watch event for tennis enthusiasts globally, focusing heavily on the explosive return of Great Britain's rising star.
Draper’s rehabilitation appears complete, and the focus now shifts entirely to court time. The challenge ahead is immense, but for a player with his ceiling, the anticipation surrounding his first few matches back is palpable across the ATP community.
