British number two Jack Draper was forced to retire from the first round match in the Barcelona Open in the third set due to an injury below his right knee.
The 24-year-old was playing against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Draper started well and kept up with Etcheverry in the first set, but the Argentine edged it 6–4 after making Draper work hard in long rallies.
In the second set, Draper responded strongly and managed to level the match, winning it 6–4. At this point, the match was evenly balanced.
As the match went on, Draper began to look uncomfortable. His movement was not as sharp, and he seemed to be in pain, especially when changing direction.
Just before the deciding set, Draper received treatment from a physio and had tape applied just below his right knee, showing he was dealing with an injury.
In the deciding set, with the score at 1–1, Draper struggled to move properly, and his level dropped. Because of the injury, he was forced to retire from the match.
Addressing the media and fans on Instagram, Draper wrote, “Sad to retire in Barcelona. I’ve tried hard these last months to stay positive and give my all.
“It will take time, but I will work my way out of this. Thank you for all the support throughout this process.”
Draper came back to court action in February 2026 after missing six months with a bruised bone in his left arm, but it now looks like he will be out for a few more months to fully recover.
Etcheverry will face Nuno Borges next in the round of 16. Both opponents have met at the Auckland tournament, where Borges won 7–5, 3–6, 7–6(2) to lead their head-to-head 1–0.
