Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the US Open is a disappointing but necessary measure taken by the young British star.
When dealing with injuries, there is little room for manoeuvre: Draper has ultimately chosen the cautious and correct route by exiting the tournament.
However, this remains a concerning development. The 23-year-old was forced to withdraw from both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open due to an arm injury.
This injury has persisted, forcing Draper to withdraw from his second-round match at the US Open against Zizou Bergs.
Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images
One former coach of another British player spoke to Draper before the announcement of his withdrawal.
Jack Draper told Leon Smith about his impending withdrawal before the announcement
Leon Smith, Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain and the former coach of Andy Murray, revealed on Wednesday that he had talked to Draper before the announcement of his withdrawal from the US Open.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Smith said: “I saw him earlier and he told me what was happening. I feel for him because he’s had such a good year and wants to kick on.
“Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.”
During the coverage, Tim Henman, a former British number one, also revealed he had breakfast with Draper and Laura Robson on Wednesday morning.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA
Speaking on Wednesday, Henman said: “Laura and I actually had breakfast with Jack this morning and he seemed in good spirits.
“He must have known that things weren’t ideal, but he was going to go out on the practice court and give it a go.
“You understand, playing at this level – best of five sets – it has got to be close to ideal in order to go out there, and his arm is something he’s struggled with for a long time.
“Hugely disappointing that Jack has had to pull out.”
Jack Draper’s ATP Finals qualification is in jeopardy
Jack Draper’s chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin are looking less likely after his withdrawal from the US Open.
The ATP Finals see the top eight players who have won the most points in the calendar year compete in a final tournament in November.
Draper has accrued 2,290 points on the ATP Tour so far in 2025. Both Alex de Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti are behind the Brit on 2,795 and 2,720 points, respectively.
PlayerATP Finals PositionATP Points Accrued in 2025Jack Draper72,290Alex de Minaur82,795Lorenzo Musetti92,720
Both de Minaur and Musetti remain in the US Open draw, meaning they could overtake Draper by September 7 when the tournament finishes.
Meanwhile, players such as Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov could also overtake Draper if they go far at the US Open.