Jack Draper, Britains rising tennis star, has withdrawn from the Dubai Tennis Championships shortlyafter an impressive run to the Qatar Open final in Doha. Jack fought for his second ATP 500 crownagainst Andrey Rublev.
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The Briton gave everything in the opening two sets before falling 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 and finishing runner-up. Jack left Doha with 330 ATP points on his tally, passing four rivals on the ATP ranking list and achieving a career-high ranking as world no. 12.
Citing the need to prioritize recovery, Draper decided to withdraw fromthe upcoming ATP 500 event in Dubai. The Briton played three consecutive three-setters in Doha and wanted to give his body a proper rest ahead of Indian Wells.
Jack expressed hisdisappointment at missing the ATP 500 event but optimism about returning at the first Masters 1000 event of the season in Indian Wells. Draper struggled with hip issues during the off-season.
He did not arrive in Melbourne at 100%, although he passed three rivals from two sets to one down to enter the last 16! However, the Briton retired against Carlos Alcaraz, ending his campaign in the worst way and taking a couple of weeks off the court.
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Jack hit the court in Doha and beat four rivals en route to the final. He made Rublev run for his money in the opening two sets. The Russian claimed the opener with a late break, and the Briton mirrored that scenario in set number two.
Instead of building on that, Draper lost steam in the decider and suffered two breaks to propel his rival over the top.
"Im very proud of my performancesin Doha.Unfortunately, I have made the decision to withdraw from Dubai.Im taking onboard advice to prioritize my recovery and manage my body after a number of long matches.
I have togive myself the best chance of competing consistently throughout the year. Im gutted not to compete at such an amazing event,but will look forward to returning to competition in Indian Wells," Jack Draper said.
