World No 5 Jack Draper withdraws from US Open after arm injury proves too painful to continue

British tennis suffered a crushing blow at the US Open as Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a persistent arm injury.

The 23-year-old world No 5 had been due to face Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the second round but announced on social media that he could no longer continue. Draper explained the discomfort in his left arm had become “too much” to bear, despite pushing his recovery to the limit in an effort to compete.

The injury, diagnosed as bone bruising in his humerus, had already sidelined him for more than seven weeks before his opening match in New York. Draper admitted he had feared he would not even make it to Flushing Meadows, but battled through a four-set victory over Federico Agustin Gomez in the first round. His serve, however, lacked its usual power, falling far below the speeds that had carried him to the semi-finals of last year’s tournament.

Posting to fans, Draper wrote:

“Hi guys, I’m sorry to say I’ll be withdrawing from the US Open. 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. Thank you for all the support.”

The withdrawal is a major setback for Britain’s brightest men’s talent, who had been hoping to build on his stunning run to last year’s semi-finals, where he lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Former British No 1 Tim Henman described the news as “hugely disappointing.” Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:

“Laura [Robson] and I actually had breakfast with Jack this morning and he seemed in good spirits. He must have known things weren’t ideal, but he was going to give it a go. At this level, in best-of-five matches, you have to be close to 100%. His arm has been an ongoing issue, and it was just too much.”

Robson echoed the sentiment, pointing out that while Draper had been optimistic after his practice session, the rigours of match intensity proved insurmountable.

“It was just too soon for him. That match intensity changes things. Unfortunately, it was a bit too much. Really disappointing because this was the tournament where he shone last year.”

Draper’s withdrawal means Bergs progresses automatically to the third round, where he will meet either Gabriel Diallo or Jaume Munar.

Meanwhile, British hopes turn to Jacob Fearnley, a former junior rival of Draper, who stunned Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in four sets despite racking up 18 double faults. The Scot now faces world No 3 Alexander Zverev for the third time this season, having previously lost to him at both the Australian Open and Miami Open.

For Draper, the focus shifts to recovery and regaining full fitness. With his ranking inside the world’s top five, expectations for his career remain sky-high, but repeated setbacks have underlined the fragility of his young body. The timing of this injury is especially cruel, coming just as he looked poised to cement his place among the sport’s elite.

As British fans digest the disappointment, attention will turn to whether Draper can recover in time for the indoor season later this year. For now, his US Open journey has ended prematurely — and painfully