DUBAI, UAE — British number one Jack Draper marked a triumphant return to the ATP Tour on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, securing a straight-sets victory over Frenchman Quentin Halys at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The win ends a grueling 182-day absence from competitive play following a severe arm injury.
A Successful Comeback After Six-Month Injury Layoff
Draper, 24, had been sidelined since the 2025 US Open due to a severe bone bruise in his left arm. Despite the long layoff, the world No. 15 showed little signs of rust, utilizing his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive baseline play to dismantle Halys. The victory in Dubai is a significant milestone for the Sutton-born star, who admitted to feeling “really proud” of his resilience during the recovery process.
Under the guidance of his new coach, Jamie Delgado, Draper is looking to regain the form that saw him reach a career-high ranking of world No. 4 and capture his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in 2025. Delgado recently expressed confidence in Draper’s potential, stating that the Brit has the “complete game” necessary to challenge the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for Grand Slam titles.
Key Facts About Jack Draper’s Career
- Current Ranking: World No. 15 (Career-high No. 4).
- Titles: 3 ATP Singles Titles, including the 2024 Stuttgart Open and 2025 Indian Wells.
- Playing Style: Left-handed with a dominant 6’4″ frame, favoring hard courts.
- Recent Form: Holds a career winning percentage of 68.8% on hard courts.
New Look, Same Ambition
Beyond his performance on the court, Draper caught the attention of fans in Dubai with a new hairstyle, signaling a fresh start for the 2026 season. While his immediate focus remains on navigating the draw in Dubai—where potential matchups against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Bublik loom—his long-term sights are set on the grass-court season.
“Wimbledon is obviously the tournament I want to win more than anything,” Draper recently told reporters, reiterating his lifelong dream of winning on home soil. With his arm injury seemingly behind him, the British No. 1 is now focused on building match fitness ahead of the “Sunshine Swing” in the United States, starting with the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells next month.
What’s Next for the British Star?
Draper’s victory in Dubai serves as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming ATP 1000 events. As the 4th seed in the Dubai 500 event, he remains a favorite to deep-run in the tournament. Tennis analysts and fans alike are closely watching his physical durability, as a healthy Draper is widely considered Britain’s best hope for a major title in the post-Andy Murray era.