Jack Draper, Great Britain’s top-ranked tennis player, is finally set to make his much-anticipated return to competitive action after more than five months away from the court due to a troublesome arm injury. The left-hander will rejoin Team GB for their Davis Cup qualifier against Norway, scheduled to take place in Oslo on February 5 and 6, 2026. For both Draper and British tennis fans, this moment marks a significant turning point after a challenging period of uncertainty, frustration, and hope.
Draper’s absence from the tour has been deeply felt. Currently ranked 10th in the world, he had looked poised for a landmark season in 2025. He reached a career-high world ranking of fourth in June and, in a memorable performance, clinched his maiden Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in March. That early-year momentum, however, was abruptly halted when discomfort in the top part of his left serving arm began to plague him. The pain persisted for several months, ultimately forcing Draper to withdraw from the US Open in August and shut down his season entirely.
Reflecting on his injury in a candid post on X (formerly Twitter) late last December, Draper didn’t mince words: he described the ordeal as one of the most “challenging” and “complex” of his career. He also revealed just how agonizing it was to step away from the game, especially when the stakes were so high. “The decision not to compete in the Australian Open has been really, really tough,” Draper admitted. The tournament, which began on January 18, 2026, was supposed to be his grand stage for a comeback. Instead, Draper made the difficult call to withdraw on Boxing Day, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term glory.
For Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain, Leon Smith, Draper’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. Smith has been vocal about the significance of having his top player back in action. “Draper’s inclusion enables me to name my strongest team for the qualifier,” Smith said, expressing confidence in the squad’s prospects. Alongside Draper, the British team features a formidable lineup: Cameron Norrie, Jacob Fearnley, Lloyd Glasspool, and Julian Cash. This blend of experience and fresh energy gives Team GB a fighting chance against a Norwegian side eager to make its own mark on the international stage.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of this Davis Cup tie, not just for Draper but for the entire British squad. The winner of the Oslo qualifier will advance to face either Australia or Ecuador in the second qualifying round scheduled for September 2026. With the stakes so high, every match, every set, and every point will take on added significance. For Draper, the tie represents more than just a comeback; it’s an opportunity to reassert his presence at the top of the men’s game and inspire his teammates by example.
But let’s not sugarcoat the road that led here. Draper’s injury woes began to surface during the summer of 2025, just as he seemed poised for a breakthrough. The discomfort in his left arm was relentless, and despite his best efforts, it refused to subside. After playing only one singles match since Wimbledon, Draper made the tough call to step away from competition. The withdrawal from the US Open in August marked a low point, both physically and mentally. For a player who thrives on rhythm and momentum, the forced hiatus was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s been one of the most challenging and complex injuries of my career,” Draper wrote in his December update, offering fans a glimpse into the emotional toll of his ordeal. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery loomed large, and the decision to skip the Australian Open—a tournament he’d been targeting for months—was a particularly hard blow. “It’s been really, really tough,” Draper reiterated, underscoring the depth of his disappointment.
Yet, amid the setbacks, there have been glimmers of hope. Draper’s early 2025 run remains a testament to his talent and tenacity. Reaching a career-high world ranking of fourth in June and capturing the Indian Wells title in March signaled that he could mix it with the very best. Those achievements now serve as both motivation and proof that, when healthy, Draper is a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.
For coach Leon Smith, assembling his “strongest team” for the Oslo qualifier means more than just adding Draper’s name to the roster. It’s about restoring belief and ambition to a squad that has weathered its share of ups and downs. Cameron Norrie, a consistent performer and reliable presence, brings experience to the table. Jacob Fearnley, Lloyd Glasspool, and Julian Cash round out the lineup, each eager to leave their mark on this high-stakes encounter.
Looking ahead, the British team knows that a win in Oslo would set up a tantalizing clash with either Australia or Ecuador in September’s second qualifying round. The path to Davis Cup glory is never straightforward, and every tie brings its own set of challenges. But with Draper back in the fold, Team GB can approach the task with renewed optimism. The Norwegian squad, meanwhile, will be determined to spoil the party and seize their own moment in the spotlight.
The timing of Draper’s return adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Davis Cup narrative. With the Australian Open underway and the tennis world’s attention focused on Melbourne, Draper’s comeback story offers a compelling subplot. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the British number one fares after such a lengthy layoff. Can he rediscover the form that propelled him to the upper echelons of the sport? Will the arm hold up under the pressure of Davis Cup competition? Only time will tell.
For now, one thing is certain: Jack Draper’s resilience and determination have carried him through one of the most testing chapters of his young career. As he prepares to step back onto the court in Oslo, the tennis world waits with bated breath. The Davis Cup qualifier promises high drama, intense competition, and, for Draper, a chance to write the next chapter in his remarkable journey.
With the British squad at full strength and Draper eager to prove himself once more, the stage is set for an unforgettable tie in Norway. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing’s for sure—Jack Draper’s return has already given British tennis fans plenty to cheer about.
