Jack Draper Set to Return from Injury for Britain’s Davis Cup Tie Against Norway

Posted : 04 February 2026

Jack Draper insists he is “still improving” as he prepares to return from a long-term injury absence this week in Britain’s Davis Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo. The 24-year-old has not competed since withdrawing from the US Open last August due to an arm injury sustained during his first-round match.

Draper enjoyed the most successful season of his career in 2025 before the injury, climbing to fourth in the world rankings and capturing the Indian Wells title. Speaking ahead of Thursday’s match, he reflected on his journey: “Last year definitely started off amazingly well. The second half was extremely challenging, but I took a lot of belief and confidence from the first half of the year and what I achieved. I’ve kept that in mind and I want to be competing right at the top of the game.”

Acknowledging the road ahead, Draper added: “It’s going to be a bit of a challenge and a journey to get back to where I was, just because I’ve been out for such a long time. At the same time, I’m constantly getting better and constantly improving. I hope I get to show that sooner rather than later.”

Draper has limited experience in Davis Cup play, winning only one of his four matches and not appearing since a 2024 Finals singles loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime. Joining him in the British team are Jacob Fearnley, who enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, and the in-form Cameron Norrie. Britain enters the tie as favourites against Norway, with a potential second-round matchup awaiting either Australia or Ecuador.

Norway’s squad may include three-time Grand Slam runner-up Casper Ruud, although his availability is uncertain following the recent birth of his first child. Draper praised the Norwegian side, noting their talented young player Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, a former junior world No. 1, and highlighted the challenge of facing Ruud. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us all, but we’re ready to embrace it and fight for every point,” Draper said.

The Davis Cup Finals, set for November in Bologna, have in recent years seen withdrawals from many top players. Italy, missing stars Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, captured last year’s title against a Spain team without Carlos Alcaraz. Spain, as 2025 runners-up, advance directly to the second qualifying round in September, while Italy, the reigning champions, are automatically entered in the Finals.

Alcaraz, who recently became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, has expressed interest in competing in the Davis Cup this year. “The Davis Cup is a goal as well. I really want to achieve that for my country, for Spain,” he said. “I’ve set other goals for the season, and I’ll try to be ready to pursue them.”

Elsewhere in this week’s qualifiers, Serbia face Chile in Santiago, Germany (without Alexander Zverev) host Peru, nine-time winners France take on Slovakia, and Belgium, semifinalists last year, meet Bulgaria in Plovdiv.

Jack Draper Set to Return from Injury for Britain’s Davis Cup Tie Against Norway

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