Carlos Alcaraz penned a special message to Jack Draper.

Carlos Alcaraz camera message

Carlos Alcaraz had a touching message for Jack Draper after he retired (Image: Eurosport)

Carlos Alcaraz showed his class as he wrote a 10-word message on the camera lens after Jack Draper retired from their match.

The British No. 1 received a medical timeout at the end of the first set and, after going two sets down, called it quits.

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.

Alcaraz Draper 2025 Australian Open - Day 8

Jack Draper retired while trailing Carlos Alcaraz by two sets (Image: Getty)

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 Australian Open 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.

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.”

What Carlos Alcaraz said to Jack Draper in the locker room after he was forced to retire in their Australian Open match

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.”

Alcaraz is through to the Australian Open quarter-final for a second time, matching his best result in Melbourne.

He could be set for a mouthwatering contest in the next round as he faces either Novak Djokovic or Jiri Lehecka.