Felix Auger-Aliassime hands Jack Draper an early Barcelona Open bounce

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Felix Auger-Aliassime’s withdrawal from the Barcelona Open gives Jack Draper a major boost Jack Draper is gearing up to begin his clay-court campaign with a trip to the Barcelona Open. Following two consecutive appearances at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, Draper chose not to enter the Monte-Carlo Masters. The British star has started 2026 in a way that hints at a return to the form that saw him break into the top four last season.

Draper’s path in Barcelona became a bit clearer when Felix Auger-Aliassime pulled out of the tournament. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Felix Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud pull out of the Barcelona Open The official draw for the Barcelona Open has confirmed that both Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud will not be taking part. Auger-Aliassime made it as far as the quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, while Ruud had to pull out during his round of 16 match.

Draper has benefited from their withdrawals, sliding in as the final seed, which should give him a more favourable path through the tournament. This year’s field looks strong even by ATP 500 standards, headlined by world number one Carlos Alcaraz. Draper will also have to compete against names like Lorenzo Musetti, Valentin Vacherot, Alex de Minaur, and Stan Wawrinka, who’s in thanks to a wildcard entry.

Draper was given a clear path to the quarter-finals Being seeded means Draper won’t face anyone from the ATP top 20 until at least the quarter-finals. His opening opponent is Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who, despite not being a top seed, still presents a real challenge. Etcheverry took a set off Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo and is widely regarded as one of the better clay-court players on tour.