In early December, world number 10 Draper also withdrew from the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) Finals in London, citing frustration that he was not “fully ready”.
Draper first felt discomfort in his upper left serving arm during the clay-court season in the spring, and when he attempted to return at the U.S. Open in late August — competing in mixed doubles with Jessica Pegula and winning a first-round singles match — he withdrew due to discomfort.
He continued: “Obviously, Australia is the Grand Slam, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in our sport.
“However, I’ve had this injury for a long time. I’m in the final stages of my game.” [recovery] It didn’t seem like a wise decision for me and my tennis to get back on the court so soon for a best-of-five set tennis match.
“I’ve obviously had my fair share of setbacks, but by far this has been the most difficult, challenging, complex one I’ve ever had to go through.”
Draper had a strong first half of the year, reaching a career-high world ranking of fourth in June and winning his first Masters 1000 title, defeating Denmark’s Holger Ruhn in the Indian Wells final in March.
