Jack Draper, Britain’s top-ranked tennis player, made a triumphant yet hard-fought return to the US Open on August 25, 2025, battling past Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in a thrilling four-set match, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-2. The world No. 5, playing his first singles match since a shock Wimbledon exit in early July, revealed a stunning injury confession that underscored his resilience: a painful arm injury had nearly derailed his participation in New York. “It’s unbelievable to be out here in New York. I wasn’t sure if I would make it here this year,” Draper admitted post-match, his relief palpable after a grueling three-hour-and-one-minute contest on Louis Armstrong Stadium. “My team did a great job since Wimbledon to get myself back on court.”
The 23-year-old’s journey to the US Open’s second round was fraught with challenges. Diagnosed with bone bruising in his left humerus—the bone connecting shoulder to elbow—Draper had been sidelined for seven weeks, withdrawing from key ATP events in Toronto and Cincinnati. The injury, which he described as “quite painful” during the grass season, had worsened to the point where his arm felt like it was “shutting down” on forehands and serves. “I didn’t know what I was dealing with,” he confessed, recalling the uncertainty after his Wimbledon loss to Marin Cilic. “After the grass, I got it checked out. It is one of those where if you keep playing with it, it could become very, very serious.” To manage the issue, Draper avoided serving for a month and gradually rebuilt his groundstrokes, wearing a compression sleeve during practice and matches as a precaution.
Despite the physical setback, Draper’s performance against Gomez showcased his determination. The match was far from straightforward, with the 203rd-ranked Argentine, a former Miami tennis coach turned pro, unleashing 140mph serves and a booming forehand. Draper, whose average first-serve speed was a cautious 109mph—six miles slower than his 2024 US Open matches—struggled at times, notably serving five double faults, three in a single game late in the second set. “I’ve definitely had to rein in my serve a little bit to make sure to keep the pain down,” he admitted. Yet, his tactical acumen shone through, particularly in the fourth set, where he regained control with some of his best tennis, finishing with a flourish after an off-court break.
Martina Navratilova, the 18-time Grand Slam champion, praised Draper’s resilience, noting, “The lack of play showed. He hit the right shots and played his way into form. If you have a niggling injury and you are stretched in your first match, which he was, and it holds up, it may even get better.” Her words highlighted the silver lining: the intense battle tested Draper’s arm, which held firm, boosting his confidence. “It was a tough match,” Draper said, acknowledging Gomez’s quality. “He played some outstanding tennis, and I look forward to hopefully improving as the tournament goes on.”
Draper’s preparation for the US Open was unconventional, with his only competitive outing being a mixed doubles semi-final run alongside American Jessica Pegula, where he deliberately eased off his serve. “I didn’t hit any serves for about a month,” he revealed, emphasizing the cautious recovery orchestrated by his team. Off the court, he used the hiatus to enhance his physicality, training with fitness coach Matt Little, formerly of Andy Murray’s team, and incorporating high-intensity sessions on a vertical cardio climber. “I have worked incredibly hard to improve my physicality,” Draper said, crediting his “man’s body” transformation for his durability.
Now, Draper faces Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the second round, a player he defeated at Wimbledon in 2022 for his first Grand Slam win. With a potential quarter-final clash against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner looming, Draper remains optimistic. “I’m looking forward to just getting back to competing,” he said, eager to shift focus from injury to performance. His gritty display, coupled with his candid admission, has reignited excitement about his potential to replicate or surpass his 2024 US Open semi-final run, proving that even when doubted, Draper’s fighting spirit remains unbreakable.
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