Britain's Jack Draper announced he will sit out the French Open after medical staff confirmed an aggravated knee tendon injury. The 24‑year‑old retired in the first round of the Barcelona Open, where he later withdrew citing the same issue. Draper, a former world No.4, hoped to use the clay swing to regain form, but doctors warned against five‑set matches on clay.

The setback follows a sparse comeback; Draper has logged only nine matches across five tournaments since returning in February, his schedule disrupted by a long‑term arm injury that kept him sidelined for eight months. With Wimbledon looming, his participation is now uncertain, and a drop out of the top‑100 appears likely if the layoff extends.

British tennis faces a broader malaise: Emma Raducanu remains out with post‑viral symptoms, Sonay Kartal withdrew from Roland Garros after a back injury, and several others battle fitness woes. Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter are the only Britons still contesting the Madrid Open and may be the sole representatives in Rome. Draper could aim for a comeback at the Stuttgart grass event, which kicks off on June 8.