The 2025 US Open has been a rollercoaster of electrifying tennis and unexpected heartbreak at Flushing Meadows, where the stakes are sky-high with a record $90 million prize purse. Among the most poignant moments of the tournament was the withdrawal of British No. 1 and No. 5 seed Jack Draper, whose exit due to a persistent arm injury sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The 23-year-old, a rising star with a career-high ranking, took to social media to issue a heartfelt apology to his fans, who responded with an outpouring of prayers and support, highlighting the deep connection between the young Brit and his global fanbase.
Draper’s journey at the 2025 US Open began with promise but was marred by a bone bruise in his left humerus, an injury that surfaced during the clay-court season. Despite the setback, he fought through a grueling first-round match on August 25, defeating Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in four sets, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (7), 6-2. The victory showcased his resilience, but the physical toll was evident. “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 an emotional Instagram post after withdrawing on August 27, just before his second-round match against Zizou Bergs. The decision handed Bergs a walkover, marking the first time in the Open era (since 1968) that a men’s top-five seed has withdrawn during the US Open.
The injury, which requires approximately eight weeks to heal, had already disrupted Draper’s season, forcing him to miss tournaments since a second-round loss at Wimbledon in July. Reflecting on his condition before the tournament, he had expressed cautious optimism: “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.” He added, “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.” Yet, the lingering discomfort proved too severe, and Draper prioritized his long-term health, a decision that resonated with fans who admire his maturity.
The announcement triggered an immediate response on social media, with fans flooding platforms with messages of encouragement. “Gutted for you Jack, wishing you a speedy recovery,” one supporter wrote, while another added, “Get well soon, Jack! You’ll be back stronger!” The hashtag #GetWellJack trended briefly, reflecting the global concern for the player known as “The Jackal” for his fierce on-court presence. Draper, visibly moved, apologized directly to his supporters: “I’m really sorry to all my fans who came out to support me in New York and to everyone watching at home.” His words underscored the weight of the moment, as he had been a strong contender for a deep run, potentially facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals.
Draper’s withdrawal reshaped the men’s draw, giving Bergs a path to the third round against either Gabriel Diallo or Jaume Munar. It also put Draper’s No. 5 ranking at risk, a hard-earned milestone after his 2024 US Open semifinal and a title at Indian Wells earlier in 2025. “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 said earlier, capturing the emotional and physical toll of his recovery journey. His focus now shifts to rehabilitation, with hopes of returning for the ATP Finals in Turin, for which he is currently qualified.
Beyond the court, Draper’s vulnerability has endeared him to fans. His candidness about the mental and physical challenges of the sport, combined with his dynamic left-handed game, has made him a beacon for British tennis post-Andy Murray. As he steps away to heal, the tennis community rallies behind him, confident that this setback is merely a pause in a career destined for greatness. With prayers pouring in, Draper’s journey remains a testament to resilience, reminding us that even champions face moments of fragility before roaring back.
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