Jack Draper has withdrawn from the US Open just hours before his scheduled second-round match against Belgium's Zizou Bergs. The British No1 and world No5 cited unbearable pain from a persistent arm injury that has plagued him since the clay season.
"I'm sorry to say I'll be withdrawing from the US Open," Draper said in a statement. "I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play but the discomfort in my arm has become too much and I have to do what is right and look after myself."
The withdrawal represents a crushing blow for the 22-year-old, who looked well below his usual standard during his four-set first-round victory over Argentina's Federico Gomez. According to GBNews, heavy strapping was visible on Draper's left arm throughout that match.
Injury timeline and medical concerns
The bone bruising in Draper's left humerus began during the middle of the clay season and has now affected his participation in the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Medical experts had reportedly recommended eight weeks of rest for proper recovery, according to GBNews.
Draper had not played a singles match between his second-round defeat at Wimbledon and his first-round victory in New York. The hope from his camp was that the pain would subside as he played his way into the tournament, but that proved unsuccessful.
Impact on season and rankings
The withdrawal comes at a particularly frustrating time for Draper, who has enjoyed his most successful season to date despite the injury troubles. He won the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells and reached the final in Madrid on clay before the injury began to take its toll.
According to The Independent, the withdrawal could affect Draper's chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals and may open opportunities for Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in the race for the year-end championships.
Given his hip problems at the Australian Open earlier this year, Draper has now gone a full season without being completely fit for a single Grand Slam tournament. All the momentum he had built through his career-high achievements has been undermined by persistent physical setbacks.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "GBNews", "BBC", "Independent"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
