Former British No. 1 Jack Draper will have to battle through the qualifying tournament to earn a place in the main draw of this year’s US Open after missing out on an automatic slot. The 24‑year‑old, who reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam in 2024, saw his ranking slip and now faces the prospect of playing extra matches just to get into the final major of the season. Draper’s next competitive appearance is scheduled for the DC Open in Washington, which kicks off on July 27.
He is returning after a painful interruption to his season caused by a recurrence of a bone bruise in his left forearm – the same injury that forced him out of Wimbledon earlier this summer. The arm problem has been a persistent obstacle for Draper, who first stepped away from the tour a year ago to address the issue and has only managed a handful of tournament appearances since his comeback.
The lingering injury has taken a toll on his world ranking. Once comfortably inside the top 100, Draper has now fallen to No. 147, a position that does not guarantee direct entry into the US Open’s 128‑player main draw. Consequently, he will most likely need to navigate the three‑round qualifying event held the week before the Grand Slam begins, adding extra physical and mental strain to an already demanding schedule.
While Draper prepares for the qualifying rounds, the British tennis landscape is seeing a shift in its leading figures. Arthur Fery, who claimed the British men’s No. 1 spot after an impressive run to the Wimbledon semifinals as a wild‑card entrant, will be making his debut at Flushing Meadows. His surge to world No.
36 has secured him a direct entry, and he will be one of the few British men to compete in the main draw. Alongside him, former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, currently ranked 37th, will also be just outside the seeded positions but comfortably inside the main field. Other British hopefuls such as Cam Norrie, Jan Choinski and Katie Boulter have already secured places in the main draw and will be looking to make an impact when the tournament begins on August 30.
Their participation underscores the depth of British talent that is emerging on the hard‑court circuit. In the women’s draw, two‑time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams (who won three consecutive US Opens from 2012 to 2014) to capture a third straight title. Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and relentless intensity make her a formidable contender, and she will be looking to add another major trophy to her growing collection.
On the men’s side, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, the reigning Wimbledon champion, heads the field as the top seed. Sinner entered the US Open fresh off a historic season in which he captured his fifth major title by defeating Alexander Zverev, the French Open champion, in a dramatic Wimbledon final. His combination of athleticism, tactical intelligence and mental resilience has propelled him to the summit of the men’s game. Trailing Sinner is the young Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz, who entered the tournament as the third seed.
Alcaraz missed the previous two Grand Slams due to a wrist injury but is expected to return to form during the North American hard‑court swing. He will be eager to reclaim the US Open crown he lost to Sinner in last year’s final, a match that showcased his explosive shot‑making and tenacity. For fans in the United Kingdom, the US Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports beginning on August 30, with additional streaming options available through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app.
Subscribers will enjoy more than 50 percent additional live sport coverage at no extra charge, ensuring that viewers can follow every match, from the early qualifying rounds featuring Jack Draper to the marquee finals starring Sabalenka, Sinner and Alcaraz. In summary, Jack Draper’s journey to the US Open will be a test of perseverance. After battling injury setbacks and a drop in ranking, he must now prove his mettle in the qualifying tournament before he can compete on the sport’s biggest stage. Meanwhile, the British contingent, led by Arthur Fery and bolstered by the presence of Emma Raducanu, Cam Norrie, Jan Choinski and Katie Boulter, will be looking to make a strong impression.
On the global front, the tournament promises high‑stakes drama as Sabalenka seeks a historic third consecutive title and Sinner aims to defend his crown against a hungry Alcaraz. The stage is set for an exciting US Open, with ample viewing options for fans worldwide.