Draper Determined to Peak at French Open After Madrid Exit

Jack Draper has acknowledged that his latest setback at the Madrid Open serves as a reminder of the fine margins in professional tennis, but remains firmly focused on arriving at the French Open in optimal condition. The British number two was defeated in the second round by Argentine qualifier Diego Rodriguez, a result that disappointed supporters who had hoped for a deeper run in the Spanish capital.

Speaking at a press conference following his 6-4, 7-5 defeat, Draper explained his reasoning for avoiding overexertion in the buildup to the Parisian major. "I need to be smart about this. I've had periods where I've played too much, pushed through injuries, and ended up arriving at big tournaments not at my best. The French Open is too important to jeopardize with reckless scheduling."

The 24-year-old has endured a frustrating season so far, with recurring physical issues preventing him from building on his breakthrough performances from 2025. His victories at Queen Club last summer represented a career highlight, but maintaining that level has proven challenging. Medical staff have been working closely with Draper to manage his workload, and the decision to potentially skip further clay-court events before Roland Garros reflects a cautious approach.

British tennis legend Tim Henman offered his perspective on the situation, stating: "Jack has shown he possesses the quality to compete at the highest level. However, consistency requires a healthy body. His team are right to prioritize long-term fitness over short-term results."

Draper's resolve will be tested over the coming weeks as the French Open draws ever closer. With world number one Jannik Sinner and injured Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz also facing uncertain preparations for the clay-court Grand Slam, the tournament appears wide open. The British number two has the game to cause upsets on clay, as evidenced by his strong run to the Monte Carlo semi-finals last month, but he will need to demonstrate both physical resilience and mental sharpness if he is to translate potential into results when the action begins at Roland Garros on May 25.