World number one Jannik Sinner has spoken of his sadness, after learning Jack Draper had been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon.

Draper, from Sutton, announced on social media that there had been a recurrence of the arm injury, which kept him out for a prolonged period of time.

This came just days after the 24-year-old reached the semi-finals of the Lexus Eastbourne Open, where he had impressed on his return from injury and spoke positively about facing Taylor Fritz in the opening round at the All England Club.

In an emotional statement, Draper said: "Devastated to share that I have had to withdraw from my first-round match due to a recurrence of my arm injury.

World number one Jannik Sinner has spoken of his sadness, after learning Jack Draper had been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

placeholder image — World number one Jannik Sinner has spoken of his sadness, after learning Jack Draper had been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

"There have been a lot of painful moments in the last 12 months but this one is definitely the absolute worst as there is no greater honour for a British player than playing at Wimbledon.

"I will continue to persevere through this. Thank you for the support!!"

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Sinner admitted he had not yet heard the news before being asked about it.

"Jack Draper? Pulled out? Here? Boy, I didn't know," the Italian said.

"Well, tough. I know him well, you know, from a personal point of view, and it's tough when you struggle so much physically.

"He truly loves the sport and I feel like when he is at his top he is one of the best players in the world and he has shown this for years and years now.

"Having strong injuries, it's tough to accept also mentally."

Sinner also highlighted how encouraging Draper's performances at Eastbourne had been before the latest setback.

"It's news I didn't know before and, you know, it's him and Emma [Raducanu] as well. It's a tough one for here, especially pulling out at Wimbledon.

"I hope he's back as soon as possible.

"He has played a very good tournament there in Eastbourne as well, so tough one. I didn't know.

"Yeah, it's a tough one."

The withdrawal comes as a major blow after what had appeared to be an encouraging return to competitive tennis in Eastbourne.

It caps off a nightmare start to the tournament for the Brits. Whilst Raducanu and Draper withdrew through injury, ten other British players lost their first-round matches

Following his semi-final defeat to Ugo Humbert, Draper had described the week as ‘massively positive’, after winning four matches in his first tournament back from injury.

"A couple of weeks ago I didn't know where I was," Draper said.

"To be here, to be in Eastbourne, to have made the strides that I've made and to actually be playing some really good tennis and make a semi-final of a Tour event straight away – it's not easy.

"I think I'm really proud of that."

Draper had also been looking forward to a blockbuster first-round clash with Fritz after the Wimbledon draw.

"It's definitely a tricky one," he said.

"Obviously Taylor is a great player. We've played multiple times already.

"It's going to be a really good battle. It's going to be a tough match. I'm looking forward to it."

Instead, the former world number four has suffered another cruel injury setback, extending what he described as a painful 12 months, and denying him the chance to compete at his home Grand Slam.