UPDATE: Jack Draper is making a highly anticipated return to ATP competition at the Dubai Tennis Championships after a six-month injury hiatus. The British tennis sensation will face qualifier Quentin Halys in the first round on February 20, 2024, marking his first match since the US Open.
After recovering from an arm injury and briefly competing at the Davis Cup, Draper aims to regain his momentum on the court. His recent withdrawal from the Rotterdam Open raised concerns, but he is ready to make a comeback in Dubai.
In an intriguing twist, Draper has shared a unique pre-match ritual that sets him apart from his peers. Instead of pumping up with high-energy music, he reveals that he relaxes by listening to the sounds of birds on Spotify. He described this practice as “pretty weird” but emphasized its calming effect before matches.
“It’s a nice one. You should try it, it’s very therapeutic,” Draper said. “Just not listening to music the whole time. Just get on some nice birds. It’s nice. It’s very weird.”
Draper’s unorthodox choice highlights his approach to maintaining mental clarity in high-pressure situations. As one of the brightest young talents in tennis, he previously achieved a career-high ranking of world number four and secured his first Masters title in 2025.
The draw for the Dubai Tennis Championships has positioned Draper favorably. He is set to take on Halys, a player he has defeated in both of their previous encounters. Should he advance, he would face either Fabian Maroszan or Arthur Rinderknech.
Excitingly, Draper finds himself in the same section of the draw as top competitors including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Bublik, and Andrey Rublev. Despite being sidelined for months, he is ranked as the fourth-best player in this ATP 500 tournament.
Fans are eagerly watching to see how Draper performs as he attempts to reclaim his spot among the elite. The Dubai Tennis Championships promise thrilling matches, and Draper’s return adds another layer of anticipation to the event.
Stay tuned for live updates as Draper embarks on this crucial journey back to competitive tennis!
