As the US Open 2025 electrifies Flushing Meadows, British No. 1 Jack Draper is silencing doubters with a steely resolve to compete at the highest level, despite lingering concerns about an arm injury. The 23-year-old, ranked world No. 5, battled through a grueling first-round match and now faces Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the second round on Thursday, August 28. With a career-best season behind him and a semi-final appearance at last year’s US Open to defend, Draper’s insistence that his arm injury is “not a question mark” underscores his determination to chase Grand Slam glory.
### A Gritty Comeback
Draper’s return to competitive singles at the US Open marked his first match since a shock second-round exit at Wimbledon in July, where he suffered bone bruising in his left humerus. The injury, which he first felt during the clay season, forced him to withdraw from key ATP 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati, raising concerns about his readiness for New York. Yet, in his opening-round clash on Monday, August 25, against Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez, Draper showcased his resilience, securing a 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-2 victory in a three-hour battle. “I wasn’t too sure if I was going to make it here this year, but we did a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get myself back on court,” Draper said post-match, his relief palpable after pushing through an eight-week recovery timeline.
Wearing a compression sleeve to support his left arm, Draper admitted to serving conservatively, with speeds noticeably lower than his blistering performances en route to the 2024 US Open semi-finals. “The arm for me is not a question mark,” he told reporters, emphasizing that his focus is on regaining his top form on hard courts. “It’s more been my preparation for the tournament, how quickly am I going to be able to get back to playing top level.” His cautious approach didn’t hinder his ability to neutralize Gomez’s explosive game, and a late surge in the fourth set hinted at the return of his trademark power.
### A Season of Triumphs and Trials
Draper’s 2025 season has been a breakout year, marked by his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, where he defeated Holger Rune in straight sets, and a runner-up finish at the Madrid Open on clay. These achievements propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 4, making him only the fourth British man in ATP history to crack the top five. However, the arm injury, identified as bone stress and bruising, posed a significant setback. “I felt like my arm was shutting down a little bit when I was hitting forehands and on the serve,” Draper revealed, recalling the pain that worsened during his Wimbledon loss to Marin Cilic. To protect his long-term health, he skipped serving for a month and groundstrokes for over two weeks, focusing instead on fitness training in London, including intense sessions on a vertical cardio climber.
His preparation wasn’t entirely match-free. Partnering with American Jessica Pegula in the revamped US Open mixed doubles, Draper reached the semi-finals, a “perfect” tune-up that allowed him to test his arm without going full throttle. “I’m so happy to be able to compete,” he said, expressing optimism despite lingering discomfort. His physical transformation—described as evolving into “a man’s body”—has also bolstered his confidence, with fans and analysts noting his bulked-up physique, likened to a “UFC fighter” or “WWE wrestler.”
### The Road Ahead
Facing Zizou Bergs in the second round, Draper holds a 2-0 head-to-head edge, including a straight-sets win at Wimbledon three years ago. A victory could set up a blockbuster third-round clash, with a potential quarter-final rematch against Jannik Sinner, who defeated him in last year’s semi-finals. “I needed tennis in my legs. I needed to play a three-hour match,” Draper reflected after his first-round win, embracing the grind as a chance to sharpen his game. His high seeding as the No. 5 player grants him time to build momentum, but the pressure to defend semi-final points looms large.
### A Broader Perspective
Draper’s journey reflects his growth as a contender and a person. His candidness about the injury—“I have been looking after this for a while so I’m looking forward to just getting back competing”—reveals a maturity forged through adversity. Off the court, he’s embraced new endorsements, signing with California-based brand Vuori as a global ambassador, signaling his rising star power. The British tennis scene, with Cameron Norrie also advancing to the second round, is buzzing with hope that Draper can challenge the dominance of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “I don’t want to feel like we’re just letting them do it,” Draper declared, his competitive fire burning bright.
As he steps onto the court against Bergs, Draper’s story is one of resilience, recovery, and ambition. Can he overcome the shadow of injury to make another deep run in New York? With the Flushing Meadows crowd behind him, the British star is ready to prove his arm is no barrier to greatness.
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