Jack Draper withdraws from Monte-Carlo Masters on side of caution

Jack Draper has pulled out of next week’s Monte-Carlo Masters to delay the start of his clay-court season.

The British No 2 recently returned from nearly eight months out with bone bruising in his left arm and has spoken about needing to be patient in his comeback.

As such, the 24-year-old has made the decision to skip a clay-court opener in Monte Carlo but it remains to be seen whether Draper will play at his next scheduled event, the Barcelona Open, which runs from 13-19 April.

It is understood that Draper is fit – with the former World No 4 filmed training in London last week – and has instead decided to focus on practice and physical work ahead of a busy period on clay and grass.

Draper reached the last 16 in Monte Carlo last year but has joined 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic and World No 8 Taylor Fritz in pulling out.

Having played just one match since Wimbledon, Draper made his return to action for Great Britain’s Davis Cup victory against Norway in February before recording his first tour-level win in 182 days, defeating French qualifier Quentin Halys in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

He then went on an impressive quarter-final run at Indian Wells, notching his first career win against Djokovic before losing to eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev, albeit in contentious fashion.

However, Draper was blown away at the Miami Open by big-serving Reilly Opelka, exiting in the second round.

Reflecting on the bruising defeat, Draper recognised that he needs time to get back to his best, telling Sky Sports: “It’s a difficult one. Obviously I haven’t played a load of tennis, it’s still the very start of my comeback from my injury, so it’s going to take time.”