Carlos Alcaraz had a touching message for Jack Draper after he retired (Image: Eurosport)
showed his class as he wrote a 10-word message on the camera lens after retired from their match.
The British No. 1 received a medical timeout at the end of the first set and,
Alcaraz and Draper have a good relationship off the court, and the Spaniard showed what he really thought of his rival with a touching note.
Draper has been bogged down by multiple injuries during his young career. This was his 16th retirement from a professional match and it wasn’t even the first time he had to forfeit against Alcaraz, doing the same in Indian Wells two years ago.
The 23-year-old’s pre-season preparations were also derailed when he picked up a hip injury which forced him to cancel his practice week with Alcaraz in Alicante. He also skipped the United Cup as a result.
Draper survived three marathon five-set matches during the first week of the but all the tennis appeared to catch up with him on Sunday as he faced Alcaraz.
The Brit called the physio after losing a close first set and left the court for treatment. When he returned, things went from bad to worse and Alcaraz stormed through, taking a 7-5 6-1 lead.
Jack Draper retired while trailing Carlos Alcaraz by two sets (Image: Getty)
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Draper called the physio again and, after a brief chat, retired from the match. Alcaraz embraced the 15th seed before they both shook hands with the umpire.
Afterwards, Alcaraz showed his class as he signed the camera to celebrate his victory. The 21-year-old took the opportunity to send a message to Draper.
“You will be where you deserved,” he wrote. “Get well soon Jack.”
The four-time Major winner also paid tribute to Draper during his on-court interview. “I am sad for Jack,” Alcaraz told the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
“He doesn’t deserve to get this injury. He couldn’t prepare at the start of the season.
“We should have had a good week of pre-season but couldn’t because of the injury. I feel a little bit sad for him. I am sure he will come back stronger and I just wish him a speedy recovery.”
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