Jack Draper has been handed a wildcard into the National Bank Open in Montreal, continuing his injury comeback despite withdrawing from the DC Open in Washington just days earlier. Tennis Canada confirmed that Draper joins Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Liam Draxl, the 2026 Road to the NBO winner, as recipients of the final main draw wildcards for the ATP 1000 event.
The British left-hander has endured a brutal 2026, missing all three Grand Slams held so far this year due to a persistent left arm injury that first forced him off tour roughly a year ago. Knee and shoulder complications have further disrupted his return, limiting him to just five tour events in 2026, with his most recent appearance coming in Eastbourne last month. His ranking has tumbled from a career high of No. 4 to No. 147, putting direct entry into the US Open firmly out of reach.
The Washington withdrawal drew criticism on social media, with some fans and observers arguing that other players deserved the wildcard more. However, Draper has remained publicly optimistic. In a candid Instagram post following his Washington pullout, he described months of doubt and setbacks but insisted he is making progress and getting closer to his best. He has also spoken warmly about the influence of his coach, Sir Andy Murray, during this difficult stretch.
Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski has gone further, publicly backing Draper to receive a US Open wildcard from new USTA chief Craig Tiley, despite those spots traditionally going to American players.
Whether Montreal signals a genuine turning point or another frustrating false start remains to be seen. TennisDraw users will be watching his draw closely before locking in their bracket picks for the hard court swing.