Draper's U.S. Open Run Cut Short by Persistent Arm Injury

British tennis player Jack Draper, seeded fifth, has withdrawn from the U.S. Open. The decision was made before his scheduled second-round match against Zizou Bergs due to an arm injury. This injury has been a recurring issue for Draper, affecting his ability to compete for several weeks.

Draper had managed to advance to the second round after defeating Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez. However, he had been dealing with a left-arm problem that had sidelined him since his second-round loss at Wimbledon the previous month. He expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that he had tried his best to play but the discomfort in his arm was too significant.

The 23-year-old had reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Open the previous year. His chances of repeating that success this year were already diminished after his first-round match. Draper had admitted he was proud to even be on the court, given the uncertainty surrounding his recovery from a bruised humerus in his serving arm.

Following his first-round match, Draper explained that the recovery process for his injury typically takes about eight weeks. He was competing at the U.S. Open after only seven weeks. He also mentioned having to modify his serve to manage the pain.

Draper's withdrawal from the tournament is a setback for the British player. Earlier in the season, he achieved a significant career milestone by winning the Indian Wells title on American hardcourts. His ranking is expected to drop, and he may face challenges in securing a spot in the ATP Finals in Turin later this year.