Jack Draper, Britain’s top tennis hope and world No. 5, is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the ATP Tour after an unexpected injury setback that kept him sidelined for much of the summer. Draper’s journey over the past few months has been a rollercoaster, marked by disappointment at Wimbledon, a forced break due to injury, and a renewed sense of purpose as he sets his sights on the US Open and beyond.
The drama began on July 3, 2025, when Draper suffered a stunning second-round defeat at Wimbledon at the hands of Marin Cilic. The loss was a shock to fans and pundits alike, especially given Draper’s breakout season and his recent ascent into the ATP top five. But behind the scenes, the British star was contending with more than just on-court pressure—he had been playing through a nagging injury in his left arm.
“I found out I had an injury in my arm, which I had been playing with for a little while,” Draper revealed in a candid interview with the Lawn Tennis Association. “The doctors and my team advised me that I’d need to take some time out. I had a few days off, so I chilled and took my mind off tennis. Then I was really motivated to come back and do a really good fitness block and work myself hard physically to make some good gains.”
His medical team’s advice was clear: rest and recovery were non-negotiable if he wanted to compete at the highest level for the remainder of the season. Draper reluctantly withdrew from both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open in July and August, major stops on the ATP calendar. “After Wimbledon I picked up an injury in my left arm, nothing serious, but I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati… See you in NYC!” Draper announced on social media, echoing his determination to return stronger.
The decision to sit out those tournaments was a tough pill to swallow for the 23-year-old, especially after a red-hot start to 2025 that had seen him claim his first Masters title at Indian Wells and notch victories over some of the sport’s biggest names. But Draper took the opportunity to focus on his fitness, rebuild his strength, and reflect on the whirlwind of the past year. “I got back to my tennis slowly to protect my arm, but it’s been a really productive few weeks now. It was disappointing to miss Toronto and Cincinnati, but I think it’s been a good period for me to reflect on things and improve,” he said.
Now, as the US Open looms on the horizon, Draper is feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to make his mark once again. “I’m really looking forward to going out to the US Open, and I’m in a great place personally and tennis-wise. I feel refreshed, motivated, and I can’t wait to get back out there,” he told reporters, his enthusiasm palpable.
Last year’s US Open was a career-defining moment for Draper. Entering the tournament on the heels of a strong quarter-final showing at Cincinnati, he powered his way to the semi-finals in New York, dispatching the likes of Botic van de Zandschulp, Tomas Mahac, and Alex de Minaur. Though his run was halted by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner—who would go on to claim the title—Draper’s performance cemented his status as one of the game’s rising stars.
“Last year’s US Open was amazing – I reflect on it with really positive memories. It gave me so much confidence and set me up for what was to come for the rest of the year and also the start of this year,” Draper shared. “Pushing through five best-of-five set matches, against the best players in the world on the biggest stages – that just gives me so much belief. It was a big moment for me and probably one of the biggest in my career so far.”
For Draper, the electric atmosphere of the US Open is a source of inspiration. “For me, the atmosphere is the best at the US Open. I love the crowd dynamic, the rowdiness, and I just really enjoy the surroundings and what it brings. It’s a lively, energetic crowd, and that gets the best out of me for sure.”
The challenge ahead, however, remains formidable. The men’s game is currently dominated by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who between them have claimed the last seven Grand Slam titles. Both players have shown remarkable consistency and power, setting the standard for the rest of the field. Draper, though, isn’t backing down from the fight. “Jannik and Carlos are the best two players in the world right now,” he acknowledged. “They are playing tennis, which is very exciting to watch; it’s electric. There are no holes in their game; they are so consistent and powerful. Mentally, they are both very experienced now on the big stages, and they are both complete players. Saying that, they can still improve, so it’s really exciting to be around them.”
What’s more, Draper has already proven he can compete with the very best, having recorded wins over both Sinner and Alcaraz in previous encounters. “They are leading the way, but there are players like me who are hungry to go beyond their level and will do anything to get to where they are playing. I’m looking forward to many more matchups with them to come.”
This year’s US Open, set to begin on August 24, 2025, is just the start of a crucial stretch for Draper. He’s also set to pair with former WTA world number two Paula Badosa in the mixed doubles competition, which kicks off on August 19. And with his current No. 7 spot in the Race to Turin, Draper has his eyes on qualifying for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals in November—a goal he set at the start of the season. “The ATP Finals is definitely something I’ve got my eyes on,” Draper admitted. “At the start of the year, it was one of my goals because if you make the Finals, you’ve had a very consistent season, and that was my biggest thing going into this season to maintain. Obviously, I’ve picked up an injury and missed a few tournaments, but like always, I’m going to give it my best. My preparation has been great, I keep on improving, and if I make it, great, but if I don’t, life moves on, and I’ll keep striving to be better.”
While the lack of match play ahead of the US Open isn’t ideal, Draper’s renewed health and mindset could prove to be his greatest assets. As the tennis world turns its gaze to New York, all eyes will be on Britain’s rising star to see if he can recapture the magic of last year and take another step toward the sport’s summit. With his arm healed, his confidence restored, and his ambitions undimmed, Jack Draper is ready for his next chapter on the grandest stage of them all.
