The US Open 2025 kicked off with a thrilling display of resilience and skill as British number one Jack Draper made a victorious return to competitive singles tennis, overcoming a challenging arm injury to defeat Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in a gripping first-round match. The 23-year-old, ranked world number five, battled through a three-hour, one-minute marathon to secure a 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7-9), 6-2 victory at Flushing Meadows, marking his first singles match since a shock Wimbledon exit in early July. With a blend of precision, grit, and flashes of brilliance, Draper’s performance signaled his intent to build on last year’s semi-final run and challenge the sport’s elite.
## A Hard-Fought Battle
Draper’s journey back to the US Open was anything but straightforward. After a bruised humerus in his left arm forced him to withdraw from ATP Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati, questions lingered about his fitness. Wearing a compression sleeve to support his serving arm, Draper admitted to managing discomfort, stating, “I’ve definitely had to rein in my serve a little bit to keep the pain down.” Yet, his performance against the world number 203 Gomez showcased his determination. Despite slower serve speeds—averaging 111mph in the first set and dipping to 106mph by the fourth—Draper’s accuracy, particularly with his kick serve, proved decisive.
The match was a test of endurance. Gomez, a 28-year-old debutant who once coached tennis in Miami before chasing his professional dreams, brought explosive energy with serves exceeding 140mph and a blistering forehand that produced 50 winners. Draper, however, stayed composed, converting six of 11 break point opportunities while only being broken twice. “I wasn’t too sure if I was going to make it here,” he confessed post-match, crediting his team for their efforts. The third set saw Gomez fight back, saving a match point in a tense tiebreak to force a fourth, but Draper regrouped, unleashing ferocious forehands to dominate the final set and advance to the second round.
## A New Physical Edge
Draper’s return wasn’t just about overcoming injury—it highlighted his remarkable physical transformation. Once seen as lightweight on the ATP Tour, the 6ft 4in, 90kg left-hander has bulked up significantly, drawing comparisons to a UFC fighter from opponents like Alexander Bublik. “I have worked incredibly hard to improve my physicality on the court,” Draper said, attributing his newfound strength to intense gym sessions with fitness trainer Matt Little and physio Shane Annun, both former members of Andy Murray’s team. His dedication paid off, as he soaked up Gomez’s aggressive baseline play, finishing with a 38-23 winner-to-unforced-error ratio.
This physical evolution is part of Draper’s broader mission to challenge the dominance of world number one Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have swept the major titles this season. “I don’t want to feel like we’re just letting them do it,” he declared, signaling his hunger to compete at the highest level. His semi-final run at last year’s US Open, where he fell to Sinner, remains a career highlight, and fans are eager to see if he can go further in 2025.
## The Road Ahead
Draper’s next challenge comes against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, an explosive player known for fearless shot-making. A potential quarter-final clash with Sinner looms, a rematch of last year’s semi-final that could test Draper’s mettle. Despite not being at his “finest performance,” as he admitted, Draper found positives in the grueling match. “I needed tennis in my legs. I was almost a bit happy when I lost the third because my level wasn’t amazing,” he said, noting how the fourth set saw him elevate his game. His ability to adapt and finish strongly bodes well for deeper tournament runs.
## A Broader British Presence
Draper wasn’t the only Brit making waves. Cameron Norrie advanced to the second round after American Sebastian Korda retired due to an abdominal issue, setting up a match against Argentina’s Francisco Comesana or Alex Michelsen. With Emma Raducanu also in action against a qualifier, British tennis is enjoying a strong presence at Flushing Meadows. Draper’s recent mixed doubles semi-final run with American Jessica Pegula provided valuable court time, and his new partnership with apparel brand Vuori added a stylish flair, with his sleeveless look earning wolf-whistles from the crowd.
## A Star on the Rise
As the US Open unfolds, Draper’s return is a beacon of hope for British tennis fans. His blend of power, precision, and newfound physicality makes him a genuine contender. “It wasn’t my finest performance, but credit to my opponent, he played some outstanding tennis,” Draper said, ever humble. With a favorable draw section and a burning desire to compete with the best, the 2025 US Open could be the stage where Draper cements his place among tennis’s elite. As he prepares for round two, the tennis world watches eagerly to see how far this revitalized star can go.
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