Draper has risen to quantity 15 on the planet after successful ATP titles in Stuttgart and Vienna and reaching the semi-finals of the US Open in a breakout 2024 season.
He’ll now spend Christmas within the UK earlier than flying to Melbourne on the finish of the month. He’s not anticipated to play any occasions main into the Australian Open.
“Along with [captain] Leon [Smith], we now have additionally made the tough determination for me to take a seat out the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan with the intention to give me the chance post-Australian Open to finish the rehab and strengthening of my hip,” he added.
That would open the door for 23-year-old Jacob Fearnley to make his Davis Cup debut in his first full yr on tour.
Within the absence of Draper, Fearnley – the world quantity 99 after a speedy stand up the ATP rankings this yr – can be the second highest-ranked British singles participant accessible.
Cameron Norrie, ranked forty ninth on the planet, might additionally make his return to the squad after lacking September’s round-robin occasion, the place Britain have been unable to safe a spot in November’s knockout stage.
