Draper: "I need time, it is very hard to come back after an injury"
The Briton admits to being aware that he is beginning a long process of rehabilitation after his injury, during which he will experience tough defeats like that of the Miami Open 2026.
Jack Draper ended his journey at the Miami Open 2026 with a defeat marked by the circumstances of the match and, above all, by the context of his career. The British player, still in the rebuilding phase after a long injury, offered powerful reflections in the press conference on what it means to come back after a serious injury.
Far from making excuses, Jack Draper provided an honest analysis of his performance, his current state, and the long road he still has ahead to regain his best form on the ATP circuit. Falling to Reilly Opelka in two tiebreaks at a tournament like the Miami Open 2026 is something that can be considered acceptable, especially given the current moment of the British player.
Jack Draper's Reflections after Losing at the Miami Open 2026 against Opelka
A Match Influenced by the Opponent's Serve
Draper did not hesitate to acknowledge the superiority of his opponent at crucial moments of the match, especially with the serve. "It was a tough result, but credit to Reilly, he played a great match," explained the British player after the encounter. "His serve was untouchable for me," Draper added, making it clear that he never found a way to get into rhythm during the match.
The course of the match itself limited his chances to compete on equal terms. "I did some things well and others not so much, but the reality is that I didn't have many opportunities, especially on return," confessed the British player. Nevertheless, he highlighted his solidity at certain moments. "I didn't lose my serve throughout the match, so I did my job in that regard," he noted, trying to draw positive insights within a challenging context.
A Return Process Requiring Patience
Beyond the result, Draper emphasized that his current situation should be viewed within a broader process after overcoming a significant injury. "Losing hurts, especially this early in the tournament, because I wanted to perform well here," acknowledged the British player. However, he also showed perspective on his situation. "I'm in the early stages of my comeback after a very tough injury," he explained.
The British player made it clear that, considering recent circumstances, his overall assessment remains positive. "If someone had told me I would play Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami feeling good, I would have signed up for it," stated Draper. "The season is long, and I know this is a process that will take time," he added, demonstrating a more patient mindset.
Regaining Rhythm and Competitive Level
One of Draper's major challenges is to recover both his competitive rhythm and confidence in his tennis. The British player acknowledged that the type of matches he has recently played has not helped in that regard. "I've competed on very fast courts where it all comes down to serve and return," he explained.
Therefore, he views positively the upcoming surface change. "I'm looking forward to the clay court season because it will allow me to play more points and find rhythm," stated Draper. "I need to regain confidence in my tennis and build from there," he added, showing his intention to make the most of that phase of the season.
The Mental Impact of Injuries
Draper also delved into a less visible aspect: the mental toll of returning after a prolonged injury. "People think that when you come back, you're mentally fresh, but that's not the case," confessed the British player. "You go through a lot when you're injured, and it's very tough to return to competition," he explained.
This lack of continuity also affects his performance on the court. "I'll need time to get back to where I want to be, both physically and in terms of tennis," he stated. "I'll have to earn back the momentum I had last year," he added, sharing one of the most significant reflections from his appearance.
Evolution, Maturity, and New Work Approaches
In this rebuilding process, Draper is also reconsidering his way of working, especially regarding intensity. "I've always worked very hard, but perhaps now I need to do it more intelligently," explained the British player. Physical growth and maturity also play a role in this shift of focus. "I'm now in a different stage of my development and need different things," stated Draper. "It doesn't mean doing less, but working better on what I really need," he added.
With a more mature mindset and awareness of his situation, Jack Draper now faces a crucial stage in his career, where the goal is not only to compete again but to rebuild himself to aim for more in the future. A clay court season is now approaching, not ideal for his current context, but perhaps competing with less pressure may assist the British player in his particular process.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Draper: "Necesito tiempo, es muy duro volver después de una lesión"