Jack Draper admits to being "completely gassed" in Indian Wells as he targets physical robustness for Miami Open

Jack Draper provides a fitness update ahead of the 2026 Miami Open. Read about his recovery, his win over Djokovic, and his quest for physical robustness.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

The Physical Toll of a Title Defense

Jack Draper’s performance at the 2026 Indian Wells Open was a tale of high-level shot-making countered by the physical realities of a long-term injury comeback. Entering as the defending champion after a six-month layoff due to a left-arm injury, the 24-year-old impressed by reaching the final eight, most notably securing a statement victory over world number three Novak Djokovic. However, the intensity of those matches eventually caught up with the Brit, who admitted to being "completely gassed" during his straight-set quarter-final loss to Daniil Medvedev. This dip in energy highlights the "robustness" Draper says he still needs to cultivate to compete with the top tier over consecutive weeks.

Navigating the Post-Injury Landscape

Having been sidelined from the 2025 US Open until February 2026, Draper is currently in the process of re-learning his body’s limits. Speaking to Sky Sports, the current world number 26 explained that while his arm is holding up, the challenge now lies in general match fitness and the ability to "back up" grueling performances. Draper views his recent injuries as a learning period, noting that the preparation put in during his time away from the court has allowed him to return at a higher level than many anticipated. For the British number two, the goal is no longer just about recovery, but about evolving his game to be more efficient and less taxing on his physique.

Rankings Fluctuations and the Path Back

Despite his strong play in California, Draper’s inability to defend his full points haul from the previous year has resulted in him falling outside the global top 20. This technical slide is viewed by many analysts as temporary, given that his current form appears closer to the level that took him to world number four earlier in his career. Tim Henman and other British tennis experts have noted that the "special" quality of his game remains intact, but the upcoming months will be critical as he faces further points defenses. Draper remains philosophical about the drop, focusing instead on the "positive momentum" of simply being back on the tour and competing in Masters 1000 events.