The 2025 US Open, pulsating with a record-breaking $90 million prize purse, has been a showcase of thrilling tennis and unexpected twists at Flushing Meadows. However, a somber note struck the men’s draw on August 27, 2025, when British No. 1 and No. 5 seed Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a lingering injury to his left arm. The 23-year-old, who captivated fans with a semifinal run in 2024, announced the devastating decision just before his scheduled second-round match against Zizou Bergs, who advanced to the third round via walkover. Draper’s exit, the first time a men’s top-five seed has withdrawn during the US Open in the Open era (since 1968), has left a void in the tournament and sparked concern for the young star’s future.
Draper’s journey to the 2025 US Open had been one of resilience and hope. After a breakthrough 2024 season that saw him reach the semifinals at Flushing Meadows—becoming the first British man to do so since Andy Murray in 2012—he arrived in New York as a top contender. His powerful left-handed game and relentless drive had propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 5, with a potential quarterfinal clash against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner looming. However, a bone bruise in his left humerus, first felt during the clay-court season, cast a shadow over his preparations. “With the injury I had in my arm, the return to competition is probably about eight weeks; I’m here seven weeks, so I’m early,” Draper told reporters on August 26, revealing the tight timeline he was working against. Despite the discomfort, he remained optimistic, noting, “Me and my team, we’ve had more scans, we’re confident that I’m not doing any more damage to my arm, and I’m in a place where I can go out and compete. It’s not going to set me back, so that’s a real positive.”
On August 25, Draper gritted through a grueling first-round match against Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez, securing a 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (7), 6-2 victory. However, the match exposed his limitations, as he admitted his serve lacked its usual power due to the injury. “I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play, but the discomfort in my arm has become too much, and I have to do what is right and look after myself,” Draper shared in a heartfelt social media post, confirming his withdrawal. The decision was a blow not only to his title aspirations but also to his ranking, which is expected to drop from its current peak.
The tennis world felt the weight of Draper’s absence. His withdrawal opened the door for Bergs, who now faces either Gabriel Diallo or Jaume Munar in the third round, while also shifting the dynamics of the top half of the draw, where Sinner remains a favorite. Draper’s history at the US Open had been strong, reaching at least the third round in all three prior appearances, making his early exit all the more poignant. “Tough injury to have, but definitely one where I had to look after it,” he had said earlier, underscoring the careful balance between competition and recovery.
As Draper steps away to focus on healing, his journey reflects the unpredictable nature of professional tennis. The bone bruise, which typically requires eight weeks to heal, had already kept him out of tournaments since a second-round loss at Wimbledon in July. His decision to prioritize long-term health over short-term glory speaks to his maturity, especially as he aims to return for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, for which he is currently qualified. “There’s days where you’re really pumped because you think you’re on a good path, and then there’s days where you have setbacks,” he had shared, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of his recovery.
Fans and fellow players have rallied around Draper, with social media buzzing with messages of support for the young Brit, who has shouldered a heavy workload due to his recent successes, including a title at Indian Wells earlier in 2025. As he rests and rehabilitates, the tennis community awaits his return, hopeful that “The Jackal” will soon reclaim his place among the sport’s elite, bringing his infectious energy and powerful game back to the courts.
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