Jack Draper has been confirmed as a participant in next week’s Cincinnati Open, even though he left the court in tears after a disappointing loss at the National Bank Open in Montreal. The 24‑year‑old British player’s hopes of featuring at the US Open appeared to be in jeopardy after his latest attempt to return from injury saw him break down emotionally during the match.
The Montreal encounter was Draper’s first competitive outing since June, following a relapse of the bone bruising in his left arm that had forced him out of the tour for nearly seven months. The lingering discomfort was evident as his serve faltered against France’s Terence Atmane.
After falling behind 4‑1 in the third set, Draper sat down on his chair, covered his face and began to sob, eventually succumbing 6‑3 2‑6 6‑2. Former British No.
1 Annabel Croft, commentating for Sky Sports, described the scene as "pretty emotional" and noted that Draper seemed "bent over and literally erupting with emotion". She added that it was "very, very upsetting to see" and that the outburst occurred at a change of ends when he leaned forward. Croft emphasized that Draper is fully aware of his physical condition and the extensive work he has undertaken to get back on court.
Despite the visible distress, the ATP has awarded Draper a wild‑card entry into the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. The US Open, scheduled to begin on August 30, also requires a wild‑card for entry into the main draw, meaning Draper’s participation in that Grand Slam remains uncertain. In addition to the singles draw, Draper was slated to compete in mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows alongside American star Jessica Pegula. Pegula, speaking to the press after the Montreal match, expressed concern for her partner’s health: "I know he’s been really struggling with some injuries and today he had a very tough day.
We’re supposed to play, but obviously he’s not healthy, so we’ll see how that goes." The pair had reached the semi‑finals of the mixed event last year, and Pegula praised Draper’s character, calling him a "nice kid" and a "big fan" of his game. She hopes he can recover quickly so they can reunite on the court. If Draper cannot compete in New York, it would mark the fourth consecutive Grand Slam he has missed due to injury.
His troubles began after a second‑round loss at Wimbledon last year, when a bone bruise in his left arm forced him to withdraw from the tour. He attempted a comeback at the US Open but pulled out before his second‑round match and did not return to competition until February. Initial signs of recovery were encouraging; Draper recorded a notable victory over Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells. However, a modification to his service motion intended to protect his arm led to a knee injury, sidelining him for another extended period.
He returned just ahead of Wimbledon at the Eastbourne tournament, where he performed well and reached the semi‑finals. Yet, on the eve of his home Grand Slam, his arm flared up again, forcing him to withdraw. Speaking to Sky Sports before his Montreal match, Draper explained the complexity of his condition: "It’s important for people to recognise that the injury I have is very complex, it’s very complicated, and everyone around me is doing everything we can to help this keep moving along.
It really has been a perfect storm for me in a lot of ways. When I do get out of this storm, I’m going to be pushing on to hopefully get to where I want to be and beyond." His remarks underscore the multifaceted nature of his rehabilitation, involving not only physical therapy but also adjustments to technique and careful workload management. The Cincinnati Open will provide Draper with a valuable opportunity to gauge his readiness for the US Open. A strong showing could bolster his confidence and potentially earn him a direct entry into the Grand Slam without relying on a wild‑card.
Conversely, any lingering pain or setbacks could reinforce the need for a cautious approach, perhaps prompting his team to prioritize long‑term health over immediate results. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely. Draper’s talent is undeniable—he has already demonstrated the ability to challenge top‑ranked opponents and capture attention with his aggressive baseline play. Yet, the recurring arm issue remains a significant obstacle.
Medical staff have been closely monitoring his progress, employing imaging studies, physiotherapy, and tailored conditioning programs to strengthen the surrounding musculature and reduce stress on the bruised bone. Beyond the immediate tournament, Draper’s situation highlights a broader conversation within professional tennis about injury prevention and the pressures young players face when returning from long layoffs. The sport’s demanding schedule, coupled with the need to secure ranking points and sponsorship commitments, often forces athletes to make rapid comebacks, sometimes at the expense of full recovery.
Draper’s cautious yet determined approach may serve as a model for others navigating similar challenges. In summary, Jack Draper will line up for the Cincinnati Open despite lingering doubts about his arm’s condition. While his emotional display in Montreal revealed the psychological toll of his injury saga, his commitment to return to the highest level remains steadfast.
Whether he can translate that resolve into a competitive performance in Ohio, and subsequently secure a spot at the US Open, will depend on how his body responds in the coming weeks. The tennis world will be watching, hopeful that the young Brit can overcome this "perfect storm" and resume his ascent up the rankings.