World number five Jack Draper pulled out from the US Open early this afternoon. On his X official account, he 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.”
Last year, the British No. 1 made an impressive run to the semifinals in Flushing Meadows, without dropping a set, halted by the eventual champion Jannik Sinner, carrying momentum into this season.
On Monday, he kick-started his fourth consecutive US Open appearance, which marked the 23-year-old’s return from injury since falling in the second round at Wimbledon.
During his first round match, he seemed to struggle at times on serve due to a bone bruise on his left humerus. However, even though he was not at his finest, he found a way to beat Qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-2 after a three-hour contest.
In his on-court interview, Draper said, “Unbelievable to be out here in New York playing in Louis Armstrong Stadium.
“I wasn’t too sure if I was going to make it here this year, but we did a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get myself back on court.”
Draper is set to drop in the rankings to at least world No. 7.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s Zizou Bergs advances to the third round by walkover.