Sinner was speaking to the BBC after his match when he learned about Draper’s injury. When told about the disappointing news, he quickly replied: “Jack Draper pulled out? Here? I didn’t know.”
It was evident he was genuinely heartbroken for Draper, who was the world No. 4 before injuries started blighting his career. Sinner added: “Well, tough, I know him well from a personal point of view.
“It’s tough when you struggle so much physically and he truly loves the sport. I feel like when he’s at his top, he’s 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. It’s news I didn’t know before and I know it’s him and Emma (Raducanu) as well. It’s a tough one, for here, especially pulling out of Wimbledon.
“But I hope he’s back as soon as possible. He has played a very good tournament there in Eastbourne as well. So, yeah it’s a tough one.”
Before Wimbledon, Draper looked impressive while competing at Eastbourne, where he reached the semi-final of the competition, losing to Frenchman Ugo Humbert. He had also been working with Sir Andy Murray leading up to the action at the All England Club.
After it was confirmed he would be missing the competition, Draper said on social media: “Devastated to share that I have had to withdraw from my first round match due to a recurrence of my arm injury.
“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.”