Tearful Jack Draper shows strain of tough summer as he loses on return from injury against Terence Atmane at Canadian Open

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The emotions and challenges of a difficult summer showed as Jack Draper broke down in tears on his return from injury as he was beaten in three sets by world No. 46 Terence Atmane at the ATP 1000 Canadian Open in Montreal.

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Former British No. 1 Draper, who is being coached by Andy Murray, was playing his first match since June 26 and just his second tournament since April owing to several injury issues.

While he battled hard, he lost 6-3 2-6 6-2 and as the match got away from him in the third set, Draper was left in tears during the changeover.

The 24-year-old had received a wildcard for the tournament and is also set to play at the Cincinnati Open, which starts on August 13, before the US Open later this month.

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Draper showed glimpses of what he can do on the court as he roared back to take the match to a decider against Atmane.

The most memorable moment came early in the first set when he adjusted deftly to a spinning serve from Atmane, then producing a remarkable winner to leave his French opponent open mouthed at the point.

But despite fighting off match point deep in the third set, Draper could not stave off Atmane for the second time.

It remains to be seen whether Draper's tears were due to another injury concern or something else.

Former British No. 1 Jo Durie wrote on X: "So hard to watch…he’s tried so hard to get back to full fitness. Exasperating & frustrating for him. Such a shame."

Draper has endured an injury-hit year so far, having been forced to miss all three Grand Slam events, including Wimbledon.

At the end of July, another ailment meant Draper had to pull Mubadala DC Open, citing a left arm injury.

The 24-year-old had been ranked as high as No. 4 in the world rankings but has subsequently tumbled down to No. 143, which could force him into the qualifiers for the fourth and final major of 2026, the US Open in New York.

The Englishman reached the semi-finals of the 2024 US Open and reached the fourth round of both the Australian Open and French Open in 2025.

It was hoped that a partnership with Murray, who himself had significant injury issues at the back end of his career, would kickstart a return to form and fitness for Draper.

Before he withdrew from the Mubadala DC Open, Draper had detailed the physical difficulties he had gone through, and how they had taken a toll on him mentally.

"It was really difficult to miss Wimbledon, but it was the right decision," he said. "I've had an incredibly challenging 12 months, a lot of adversity, a lot of problem solving, a lot of pain, and trying to understand that and come through it.

"I've never had a long-term injury before so I feel much better than I ever have in the last year. I feel physically really good.

"I was actually saying to the guys that I feel emotionally and mentally, for a long time, like I've been quite tired because of the process, but I'm starting to get my energy back.

"To be honest, I feel really, really good, and I'm very proud of myself, the way I'm feeling. So happy to be here."

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