What the Barcelona Open could reveal about Jack Draper’s form on clay

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Jack Draper is set to return to competitive play at the Barcelona Open.

Draper, who ranks second among British players, hasn’t played since the Miami Open, where he was beaten 6-7, 6-7 by Reilly Opelka in his opening match.

Instead of heading to the Monte Carlo Masters, Draper chose to make his comeback in Spain.

This will be his first tournament on clay this year, and he’ll start against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round.

Jack Draper’s clay-court readiness to be tested at the Barcelona Open

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Jack Draper is set for a strong opening challenge as he kicks off his clay-court season.

The Brit faces Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who has been one of the standout performers on clay so far this year.

Etcheverry, who won the Rio Open and put up a good fight against Carlos Alcaraz in Monte Carlo, has solidified his reputation as a dangerous opponent on this surface.

For Draper, it’s an immediate test against someone who knows how to handle himself on clay. It should give a clear indication of where he stands early in the season.

If he manages to get past Etcheverry and progress to the quarter-finals, he could be up against Alex de Minaur next.

De Minaur, currently seeded third in Barcelona, has shown his own comfort on clay by reaching the last eight in Monte Carlo earlier this month.

If Draper gets that far, a semi-final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz could be waiting for him. Facing Alcaraz would be as tough a matchup as it gets for anyone trying to prove themselves on this surface.

Jack Draper outlines his plan for the clay-court season

Jack Draper is set to return at the Barcelona Open, having skipped Monte Carlo, and spoke about his decision and schedule plans ahead of the event.

The 22-year-old admitted it wasn’t an easy choice to miss Monte Carlo but told ATP Media:

“That’s very much the plan. The plan is to play Madrid, Rome, French, and go full schedule as much as I can.

“I think I’ve got enough training, enough miles in the tank to do that now.

Draper also noted he has no points to defend in Barcelona this year since he didn’t play the tournament in 2025. A strong performance could also help him overtake Cameron Norrie as the British number one again.

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