Tennis

Jack Draper Withdraws From US Open, Casting Doubt on Davis Cup Participation

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The news comes as a major blow for Draper, who was looking to build on his impressive recent form. The 21-year-old reached a career-high ranking of world No. 38 in June after reaching the semi-finals of the Queen’s Club Championships, defeating top-ranked players like Taylor Fritz along the way.

Draper’s aggressive playing style and powerful serve have quickly made him a fan favorite, and many saw him as a dark horse contender for the US Open title.

Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sustained at Wimbledon has proven more troublesome than initially thought, forcing him to withdraw from several tournaments, including the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, leading up to the final Grand Slam of the year.

Draper expressed his disappointment on social media, stating:

“I’m incredibly disappointed to be missing the US Open this year. I’ve been doing everything I can to get fit, but it’s just not quite right yet. My team and I have decided it’s best to focus on getting fully healthy for the rest of the season.”

This latest setback also raises concerns about Draper’s availability for the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled to take place in Malaga, Spain, this November. Great Britain, captained by Leon Smith, will be hoping to have their rising star back in action as they aim for their first Davis Cup title since 2015.

Smith acknowledged the difficult situation, saying:

“Obviously, it’s a shame for Jack and for the team that he won’t be able to compete in New York. His health is the priority, and we’ll continue to support him in his recovery. We’re hopeful he’ll be ready for the Davis Cup, but we’ll have to assess things closer to the time.”

Draper’s absence leaves a void in the British men’s tennis scene, particularly with veteran Andy Murray also battling to regain full fitness. However, it opens up opportunities for other young British players to step up and make their mark on the tour.

Here’s a look at what Draper’s withdrawal means:

For Draper:

  • Setback in progress: This injury halts his momentum after a breakthrough season.
  • Ranking drop: Missing major tournaments will likely see his ranking slide.
  • Focus on recovery: The priority now shifts to regaining full fitness for 2024.

For Great Britain:

  • Davis Cup hopes dented: Draper’s absence weakens their chances significantly.
  • Pressure on Norrie: Cameron Norrie becomes the team’s main hope.
  • Chance for other players: Provides an opportunity for others to gain valuable experience.

The US Open, meanwhile, will miss out on one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.

Draper’s powerful game and on-court charisma were sure to have made him a fan favorite in New York. However, his long-term health is paramount, and a cautious approach is the right decision at this stage of his career.

Here are some resources for staying updated on Jack Draper’s recovery and the latest tennis news:

We wish Jack Draper a speedy and full recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the court soon.

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