OPEN AND SHUT CASE

Draper saves himself for Aussie

- NEIL McLEMAN

JACK DRAPER has pulled out of playing for Great Britain at the United Cup to protect his hip injury before the Australian Open.

The Brit No.1 earlier this month cancelled a planned training week with Carlos Alcaraz because of a "little bit of a niggle" in his hip.

Now the US Open semi-finalist has decided not to play the 10-day team event in Perth and Sydney after Christmas to ensure he is fit for the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. And Draper will also miss playing the Davis Cup tie in Japan next month.