Jack Draper's return to competitive tennis at the Canadian Open in Montreal ended in heartbreak, as the British star lost a three-set first-round match to Terence Atmane and was visibly emotional during a changeover, drawing concern from fans and pundits across the tour.
The defeat continues a painful stretch for Draper, who has battled injuries throughout the 2026 season. He missed the majority of the clay court swing, competed only at Eastbourne on grass, and withdrew from the Washington Open before receiving a wildcard entry into the Montreal draw. It has been a far cry from the form that once saw him reach a career-high ranking of world No. 4.
Jessica Pegula, who is set to partner Draper in mixed doubles at the upcoming US Open, addressed his situation warmly in a press conference ahead of her own Canadian Open campaign in Toronto. The American described how their relationship evolved from barely exchanging words before last year's mixed doubles partnership into a genuine friendship. She credited their run together on Arthur Ashe Stadium with giving her confidence during a difficult stretch, helping her build momentum into what became a strong US Open and Asian tour swing.
On Draper's rough day in Montreal, Pegula was candid and caring. She acknowledged being well aware of his injury troubles and admitted uncertainty over whether their planned mixed doubles partnership at Flushing Meadows would go ahead, saying she knows he is not currently at his best. She was quick to call him a genuinely nice person and expressed that she has always been a big fan of his game.
TennisDraw users have been closely tracking Draper's comeback odds, making his Montreal wildcard run one of the most-watched bracket storylines of the summer hard court swing.
