The National Times - 'Ticking time bomb' as Draper retires in pain at Australian Open

The British 15th seed pulled the plug at 7-5, 6-1 down to the Spanish four-time major champion in fierce Melbourne heat.

The 23-year-old Draper, whose rise has been held back by issues with his body, needed five sets to win his first three matches at the first Grand Slam of the year.

Draper had spent nearly 13 hours on court to Alcaraz's six and it finally caught up with him, having had limited preparations in the lead-up to the tournament because of tendinitis in his hip.

He was even struggling to walk in pre-season, he said, and took "a lot" of painkillers before the Alcaraz match, but the pain was too great.

"From the third game I felt like I sort of had multiple areas that were really in pain, and especially the hip," he said.

He added: "I didn't feel amazing before my last match, but obviously got out there and it felt okay.

"Maybe it's a little bit of a ticking time bomb, considering I had no preparation and no work for my body."

Draper said he was proud to have got to the last 16 considering the pain and disrupted build-up, and is confident the injury will not hamper his career long-term if he handles it correctly.

"Considering everything, I'm incredibly proud of my efforts," he added.

"My tennis has been pretty bang-average. The whole week, you know, it's been really poor, actually.

"But it's been my competitiveness, my fight and my desire to win that's got me into the last 16 of a Grand Slam, which is something I'm very proud of."

A.M.James--TNT