Jack Draper, the former British No. 1, finds himself on the brink of another grueling qualifying campaign as he failed to secure direct entry into this year’s US Open. The 24‑year‑old, who was a semi‑finalist at a 2024 Grand Slam, will now have to battle through the preliminary rounds in New York to earn a place in the main draw.
After a lengthy lay‑off caused by a recurring bone bruise in his left forearm, Draper is scheduled to make his comeback at the DC Open in Washington, which kicks off on July 27. The injury that forced him out of Wimbledon this summer has been a persistent thorn in his side ever since he first stepped away from the tour a year ago for the same problem. The lingering discomfort has limited his participation to only a handful of events over the past twelve months, preventing him from building momentum and defending valuable ranking points.
The consequence of his limited schedule is evident in his world ranking, which has slipped to No. 147.
That position falls well outside the automatic acceptance range for Grand Slam main draws, meaning Draper will almost certainly have to navigate the three‑match qualifying tournament in Flushing Meadows to secure a spot in the US Open’s final 128. The qualifying draw is notoriously competitive, featuring hungry up‑and‑comers and seasoned veterans all vying for a limited number of tickets into the biggest stage of the hard‑court season.
While Draper prepares for the challenge, British tennis is enjoying a surge of fresh talent. Arthur Fery, who has recently claimed the British men’s No. 1 ranking, is set to make his US Open debut after an impressive run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals as a wildcard propelled his ranking to a career‑high 36th in the world.
Fellow Briton Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, sits just outside the top‑32 seedings at No. 37, meaning she too will not be protected from a potentially tough opening‑round draw. Joining them on the New York courts are other British hopefuls: Cam Norrie, Jan Choinski, and Katie Boulter, all of whom have secured direct entry into the main draw.
Their presence underscores a growing depth in British tennis, with several players now competing at the highest level of the sport. The tournament’s marquee names on the women’s side include two‑time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who is chasing a historic third consecutive US Open title—a feat not achieved since Serena Williams completed the three‑peat from 2012 to 2014. On the men’s side, Italy’s Jannik Sinner enters as the top seed after a stellar season that saw him capture his fifth major title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final. Sinner will be looking to add another Grand Slam trophy to his résumé, while also defending the points he earned in New York the previous year.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 2024 champion who dethroned Sinner in last year’s final, is also on the entry list despite missing the last two majors due to a wrist injury. Ranked third in the world, Alcaraz hopes to regain his form during the North American hard‑court swing and make a deep run in the tournament. For fans in the United Kingdom, the US Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports beginning August 30, with additional streaming options available through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Subscribers can expect comprehensive coverage of both the ATP and WTA tours, as well as exclusive access to over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra charge.
In summary, Jack Draper’s journey to the US Open will be markedly different from the usual direct‑entry experience. The combination of a lingering arm injury, a drop in ranking, and a crowded qualifying field means he must fight for every match point just to reach the main stage. Meanwhile, British tennis continues to flourish with a new generation of players making their mark on the Grand Slam circuit.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the qualifiers, the seeded stars, and the emerging British talent, promising an exciting and unpredictable fortnight of world‑class tennis. For those tracking the latest updates on Draper’s schedule, including his 2026 commitments and any further developments regarding his health, keep an eye on official announcements from his team and the ATP. The US Open promises to be a showcase of resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of glory on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.