Robson warns Draper against rushing French Open return as Madrid exit motivates comeback

British tennis prospect Jack Draper is determined not to head into the French Open 'undercooked', according to his coaching team, as he looks to bounce back from his Madrid Open exit with optimal preparation for Roland Garros.

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Draper, 23, suffered a disappointing first-round defeat at the Mutua Madrid Open, a result that has intensified focus on his Grand Slam preparations. The left-hander, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season including a semi-final run in Rotterdam, is working closely with his team to ensure he peaks at exactly the right moment.

Former British Davis Cup captain Jeremy Robson, speaking exclusively to tournaments.com, outlined the delicate balance facing Draper: "Jack has genuine quality and could cause problems for anyone on his day. But the French Open requires different attributes to the fast hard courts. He needs to time his peak perfectly."

The south London-born player has been battling fitness concerns throughout the season, with a persistent shoulder issue requiring careful management. His team has adopted a conservative approach to tournament scheduling, prioritizing quality over quantity in his match count.

"We've seen what happens when players rush back or force their timing," Robson added. "Jack has all the weapons - the serve, the forehand, the physical presence - but the mental aspect of peaking for a specific tournament is an art. His team understands that."

Draper will next target the Italian Open in Rome as his final major tune-up before Paris. The tournament, played on clay courts that suit his game style more than Madrid's high altitude, represents a crucial opportunity to build momentum.

British tennis legend Tim Henman, who reached the French Open semi-finals twice, emphasized the importance of confidence building: "Clay court tennis is about pattern recognition and footwork. Jack has the athletic ability - it's about building those repetitions in competition." With the French Open starting in late May, Draper's countdown to peak form has truly begun.