Jack Draper, the former British No.1 and a 2024 US Open semi‑finalist, will now have to battle through the qualifying tournament to earn a place in the main draw at Flushing Meadows. The 24‑year‑old’s recent run of injuries has forced him off the court for extended periods, and his ranking has slipped to a point where a direct acceptance is no longer possible. After a painful hiatus caused by a recurrence of bone bruising in his left arm, Draper is scheduled to make his comeback at the DC Open in Washington, which begins on July 27.
The injury that sidelined him from Wimbledon this year was the latest setback in a series of health issues that first forced him to step away from the tour a year ago. Since his return, he has been able to compete in only a handful of events, each hampered by lingering physical concerns. The consequence of those missed weeks has been a drop in the ATP rankings.
Draper, who once hovered comfortably inside the top 50, now finds himself ranked 147th in the world. That position sits well outside the cut‑off for automatic entry into the US Open, meaning he must navigate the three‑round qualifying draw in order to secure a spot in the 128‑player field. Qualifying for a Grand Slam is a grueling process, often pitting lower‑ranked players against hungry up‑and‑comers, and it adds an extra week of high‑stakes tennis before the main event even begins. The British contingent at the US Open, however, still boasts several bright spots.
Arthur Fery, who recently claimed the title of British men’s No.1 after an impressive wildcard run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals, will be making his debut at Flushing Meadows. His surge to a world ranking of 36 has earned him direct entry, and he will be one of the few British men to compete without having to qualify. Alongside him, former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, currently ranked 37th, will also be in the draw, just outside the seeded positions.
Their presence adds a layer of excitement for UK fans, who will be watching to see whether they can replicate their past successes on the hard courts of New York. Other British players slated for the main draw include Cam Norrie, Jan Choinski, and Katie Boulter.
Together, they form a modest but promising squad that will be looking to make deep runs and perhaps cause a few upsets. The tournament is set to kick off on August 30, with live coverage on Sky Sports and streaming options through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, offering subscribers a richer viewing experience than in previous years. On the women’s side, two‑time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams (who won three consecutive titles from 2012 to 2014) to capture three straight US Open crowns. Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and aggressive shot‑making have made her the favorite in the women's draw, and she will be looking to add another major to her growing résumé.
The men’s draw is equally compelling. Jannik Sinner, who claimed the Wimbledon title earlier in the season by defeating Alexander Zverev, will be seeking to add a US Open trophy to his collection.
Sinner entered the tournament as the top seed, reflecting his ascent to the pinnacle of the men’s rankings. His opponent in the previous year’s final, Carlos Alcaraz, will also be present, seeded third after missing the last two Grand Slams due to a wrist injury.
Alcaraz hopes to return to form during the North American hard‑court swing and to challenge Sinner for the championship. For Draper, the qualifying rounds represent both a challenge and an opportunity.
A successful run through qualifying could provide him with valuable match play ahead of the main draw, helping to rebuild confidence after a season marred by injury. Moreover, a strong showing at the US Open could accelerate his climb back up the rankings, potentially restoring his status as one of Britain’s leading male players. The broader context of the tournament underscores the shifting dynamics of modern tennis.
With a mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and players returning from injury, the US Open promises a blend of experience and youthful energy. The event also highlights the importance of depth in the sport; even those outside the top 100, like Draper, can still make a significant impact if they navigate the qualifying gauntlet successfully.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast both the qualifying matches and the main draw. For those without a traditional cable subscription, the NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app offer contract‑free access, delivering more than half of the live sport coverage for free to existing Sky Sports customers.
Detailed schedules, live scores, and match highlights will be available throughout the tournament, ensuring that viewers can stay up to date with every twist and turn. In summary, Jack Draper’s journey to the US Open this year will begin in the qualifying rounds, a direct result of his recent injury‑related ranking decline.
While he fights for a spot in the main draw, British tennis will still be well represented by players such as Arthur Fery, Emma Raducanu, Cam Norrie, Jan Choinski, and Katie Boulter. Meanwhile, the tournament’s headline attractions—Aryna Sabalenka’s quest for a third consecutive title and the clash between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz—promise high‑stakes drama for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The event’s extensive broadcast coverage ensures that fans can enjoy every match, whether on television or via streaming platforms, as the world’s best converge on New York for one of the sport’s most prestigious championships.