Jack Draper believes he is close to the peak of his powers ahead of his return at the Washington Open, where he will once again reunite with Andy Murray. 

Draper was forced to withdraw from his home major at Wimbledon last month, after suffering the recurrence of an arm injury during his run to the semi-finals at Eastbourne. 

Having been drawn to face Taylor Fritz at SW19, Draper withdrew from that first-round matchup and missed his third consecutive grand slam this season. 

The Brit has suffered several injury setbacks in the last year, sustaining his initial arm issue at the 2025 US Open before suffering a knee injury at the Barcelona Open.

Having peaked as high as fourth in the ATP rankings last year, Draper has now slipped down to 147th, having only been able to take part in a handful of matches. 

Draper is, however, making his comeback at Washington next week after being handed a wildcard entry, with American Alex Michelsen his opponent in the first round. 

"It was really difficult to miss Wimbledon, but it was the right decision," said Draper.

"I've had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem-solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it.

"I've never had a long-term injury before, so I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good.

"I was actually saying to the guys that I feel emotionally and mentally, for a long time, like I've been quite tired because of the process, but I'm starting to get my energy back.

"To be honest, I feel really, really good, and I'm very proud of myself, the way I'm feeling. So happy to be here."

We're sorry to hear your news, @jackdraper0.

Wishing you all the best in recovering from your arm injury  pic.twitter.com/K091rPHJAm

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 29, 2026

Draper's return will also see him renew his partnership with Murray, who joined his coaching team back in May following a stint with 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic.

Murray will be hoping to mastermind a rise up the rankings for Draper across the American hard-court swing.

With the 24-year-old missing the cut for the US Open's main draw, he would currently have to qualify for an event where he reached the semi-finals in 2024.

"Andy's been an incredible part of my team so far," Draper added. "He's brought a real calmness. He's got great energy about him.

"I think people are seeing it more now after he's retired, but he's incredibly playful, he always has a lot of fun.

"But he's great because he really believes in me and my tennis and believes that I can go a long, long way in the sport.

"To have one of my biggest idols think like that is something to really be proud of and gives me confidence.

"So yeah, we're on a journey together, and I think there are so many improvements in my game and so much to come."