British number one Jack Draper has withdrawn from the upcoming United Cup due to a hip injury, but the US Open semi-finalist is confident that he will be able to return for the Australian Open.
Draper was due to link up with Katie Boulter, Billy Harris, Lily Miyazaki, Charles Broom and Olivia Nicholls at the 2025 curtain-raiser, which begins on December 27 and runs until January 5.
However, Draper confirmed on Instagram on Thursday that his hip injury would prevent him from representing his nation, and he will also be unavailable for GB's Davis Cup first-round qualifier with Japan in late January and early February.
The 22-year-old is bullish about his chances of competing at the first Grand Slam of the year, though, saying: "As I work to get on top of my hip injury and get match fit, I have unfortunately been advised not to play in the United Cup.
"While we are positive about competing at the Australian Open this year, I know I won't be able to jump straight back into a packed schedule as I manage and strengthen my hip... gutted as I was really looking forward to play in the United Cup for the first time.
"Together with Leon (Smith), we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out of the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan in order to give me the opportunity post Australian Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip."
© Imago
Draper's hip problem also meant that he had to cancel a scheduled training camp with Carlos Alcaraz in Spain, after he concluded his 2024 season with a third-round Paris Masters exit to Alex de Minaur.
The British number one will end the year 15th in the world thanks to a stellar 2024 campaign, in which he reached his first major semi-final at the US Open before losing to Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
Draper also took home his first ATP Tour singles title at the Stuttgart Open in June, four months before defeating Karen Khachanov in the Vienna Open final for his maiden ATP 500 crown.
Who will Great Britain face at the United Cup?
A Draper-less Great Britain will take on Argentina in their opening group-stage tie on December 30, two days before clashing with host nation Australia in Sydney for the right to advance to the quarter-finals.
The Australian Open then commences on January 12 and runs for exactly two weeks until January 26.
Ben Knapton
