Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Mubadala DC Open in Washington on the eve of the tournament, continuing a frustrating pattern of setbacks caused by a long-term arm injury that has plagued the British left-hander for more than a year.
The 24-year-old former world number four pulled out of the ATP 500 event on Monday after reporting soreness in his serving arm, just weeks after he was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon under similar circumstances. Draper had shown promising form in practice sessions under the guidance of new coach Andy Murray, but the discomfort returned when he stepped up his preparations.
The former British number one has been dealing with bone bruising in his humerus — the upper arm bone — an injury that has proven stubbornly resistant to rest and rehabilitation.
"I've spent many days in doubt, yet I remain hopeful that I can keep taking steps forward," Draper wrote on Instagram shortly after the withdrawal was announced. "Being patient has been my greatest challenge, but I know I'm getting closer to where I want to be."
Draper has managed only 14 matches in the past year, a stark reflection of how the injury has derailed a career that peaked with a US Open semi-final appearance in 2024. He has not played a Grand Slam since that run at Flushing Meadows, and his ranking has tumbled to 147th in the world.
His initial comeback earlier this season was also complicated by tendinitis in his knee, and the three-time ATP Tour winner has struggled to string together consecutive tournaments without a physical setback.
In Washington, Draper will be replaced in the main draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald. The British player remains hopeful of being fit enough to compete in Montreal and Cincinnati during the North American hard-court swing, with the US Open beginning on 30 August. Should he be healthy enough to play at Flushing Meadows, he would need a wildcard or would have to come through qualifying to reach the main draw.
Sources
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cx25jndr1zyo
