Madrid Open chaos as Draper joins Raducanu and Djokovic and pulls out hours after draw
Several big names will be absent from this month's Madrid Open.
Jack Draper has been forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open, joining the likes of Emma Raducanu and Novak Djokovic in pulling out of the tournament. The young Brit has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months and recent setbacks have thwarted his attempts to return to the court. He missed a large chunk of last year with an arm injury but has since been hit with additional problems.
Draper skipped last month's Monte Carlo Masters before returning at the Barcelona Open, where he retired from his opener against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. He took a medical timeout in the third set and tried to continue, but called time on the match just minutes later. He was due to play again in Madrid but it's been confirmed that he will miss the tournament.
Draper was involved in Monday's draw and had been due to face Jan-Lennard Struff or a qualifier in his opening match. He will be hoping to recover in time for the French Open, which is set to get underway in less than a month.
It comes after Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open over the weekend, extending her absence from the WTA Tour by a further two weeks.
She has struggled to shake off a viral illness which first came to light during the Middle Eastern swing in February.
The one-time Grand Slam winner competed at Indian Wells but skipped the Miami Open and Linz Open, which was supposed to have been her first clay event of the year.
Djokovic will also be absent in the Spanish capital due to an injury, having missed the Miami Open because of a shoulder problem.
In a statement, tournament bosses confirmed: "Novak Djokovic, a three-time #MMOPEN champion, will not be able to participate in this year’s tournament.
"We hope to see you back here as soon as possible so we can enjoy your tennis as we have done so many times in the Caja Magica."
On social media, Djokovic added: "Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon."
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