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Draper has risen to number 15 in the world after winning ATP titles in Stuttgart and Vienna and reaching the semi-finals of the US Open in a breakout 2024 season.<\/a><\/p>\n He will now spend Christmas in the UK before flying to Melbourne at the end of the month. He is not expected to play any events leading into the Australian Open.<\/p>\n “Together with [captain] Leon [Smith], we have also made the difficult decision for me to sit out the upcoming Davis Cup match in Japan in order to give me the opportunity post-Australian Open to complete the rehab and strengthening of my hip,” he added.<\/p>\n That could open the door for 23-year-old Jacob Fearnley to make his Davis Cup debut in his first full year on tour.<\/p>\n In the absence of Draper, Fearnley – the world number 99 after a rapid rise up the ATP rankings<\/a> this year – would be the second highest-ranked British singles player available.<\/p>\n Cameron Norrie, ranked 49th in the world, could also make his return to the squad after missing September’s round-robin event, where Britain were unable to secure a place<\/a> in November’s knockout stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n