Jack Draper’s season has come to an end due to an arm injury, leading the top-ranked British tennis player to withdraw from the US Open. Draper, aged 23, disclosed that he struggled with pain during Wimbledon and subsequently faced a month without being able to serve.
The British player won only one singles match at the US Open before pulling out before the second round due to “bone bruising” in his left humerus. Despite not needing surgery, Draper has decided to end his season to allow sufficient time for the injury to heal properly.
Unfortunately, this decision dashes Draper’s hopes of debuting at the Nitto ATP Finals, where he currently holds the ninth spot in the Race to Turin, and participating in the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia next month.
Initially slated to compete in the October 15-18 event alongside top players like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, Draper will be replaced due to his injury. The event boasts significant prize money, with last year’s champion taking home an impressive £4.5 million.
Draper began the season strongly with notable victories at the Australian Open and Indian Wells. Achieving a career-high world No. 4 ranking in June, he became only the second left-handed player in the 21st century to break into the top five after Rafael Nadal. However, his arm issue led to disappointing exits from Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
In a social media post, Draper expressed disappointment over the setback, stating that he must rest his arm and will miss the remainder of the year. Despite this setback, he remains determined to return stronger and fulfill his potential as a player, thanking his supporters and expressing eagerness to make a comeback soon.