Draper rose to No. 15 in the world rankings after winning ATP titles in Stuttgart and Vienna and reaching the semifinals of the US Open. in the 2024 breakthrough season.
He will now spend Christmas in England before flying to Melbourne at the end of the month. He is not expected to play in any events leading up to the Australian Open.
“Along with (captain) Leon (Smith), we have also made the difficult decision for me to miss the upcoming Davis Cup matches in Japan to give me a post-Australian Open opportunity to complete my rehabilitation and strengthen my hip. ,” he added.
This could open the door for 23-year-old Jacob Fearnley to make his Davis Cup debut in his first year on tour.
In Draper’s absence, Fearnley – ranked 99th in the world – follows him rapid rise in the ATP rankings this year – will become the second highest ranked British singles player available.
Cameron Norrie, ranked 49th in the world, could also return to the squad after missing September’s round-robin event, where England are. unable to secure a place in the knockout rounds in November.
