British tennis prospect Jack Draper has confirmed that he will not take part in this year’s US Open after his persistent bone bruise in his dominant left arm forced him to prioritize recovery. The decision was announced just hours after world number one Jannik Sinner also disclosed that a knee problem would keep him out of the tournament, while two‑time champion Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for a comeback following a four‑month hiatus caused by a wrist injury.
Draper, who has not yet appeared in any Grand Slam event this season, said the last few weeks have been especially taxing. After a disappointing first‑round loss to Martin Landaluce at the Cincinnati Open, the 24‑year‑old described himself as being in a "difficult place" mentally, admitting that the cumulative fatigue of more than a year of injury battles has taken a heavy toll on his confidence and focus.
In an interview with The Guardian, Draper explained, "It feels the same as last week – the fire I normally bring to every point, the way I can fight for every ball, is just missing. The conditions, the adjustments I’ve been forced to make, are all extremely hard to manage. Internally, it’s a very tough spot right now." Since Wimbledon, Draper has experimented with a series of technical tweaks aimed at reducing the strain on his left arm. He has switched to a softer string tension, altered the racket weight distribution, and made subtle changes to his service motion in an effort to protect the bruised area while still maintaining his aggressive style of play.
Despite these efforts, he confessed that the constant management of the injury has eroded one of his greatest assets – his fighting spirit. "There’s a chronic pain that never really leaves you," he said. "When it’s in your playing arm – the arm that defines your career – it becomes an ever‑present obstacle.
The injury is difficult to overcome and even harder to understand, creating a cascade of challenges and barriers." Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft, speaking with Sky Sports’ Gigi Salmon, described the atmosphere surrounding the sport as "doom and gloom" at the moment. She noted that the bone bruise has resurfaced repeatedly, despite Draper’s attempts to treat it, and suggested that skipping the US Open might be a prudent choice given the tournament’s demanding best‑of‑five‑set format. "Seven matches back‑to‑back in a Grand Slam is brutal," Croft said.
"If the injury keeps flaring up, it’s better to step away now rather than risk a catastrophic setback. Croft also expressed sympathy for Draper’s situation, recalling his impressive run to the US Open semifinals in the past and his ability to challenge the very best players in the world. "It’s heartbreaking for him," she added, "but his health has to come first." Former player‑turned‑coach Ryan Harrison weighed in on the broader context of the modern tour, highlighting how the sport’s physical demands have intensified.
He pointed out that the slower court speeds and heavier balls now produce longer rallies, which place additional stress on players’ bodies. "The game isn’t as friendly to big serves or quick points as it used to be," Harrison explained.
"The 11‑month season, combined with these slower conditions, means players are enduring more physically taxing matches than they did 20 or 30 years ago." Harrison warned that maintaining health has become increasingly difficult, especially when the calendar is packed with tournaments owned by various promoters and sponsors, making any substantial restructuring unlikely. "Changing the schedule is a massive challenge because each event has its own commercial interests," he said. "Nevertheless, many players would welcome a return to faster surfaces that reward aggressive play and reduce the wear and tear on the body." The implications of Draper’s withdrawal extend beyond his personal career. It underscores a growing concern within tennis about player longevity and the need for a more sustainable tour schedule.
As top athletes like Sinner and Alcaraz also contend with injuries, the sport faces a pivotal moment in balancing excitement for fans with the health and well‑being of its competitors. For fans eager to follow the action, the US Open will still be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. Meanwhile, Draper’s team will likely focus on a carefully managed rehabilitation program, hoping to return stronger for the next season and perhaps make a deep run at future Grand Slam events.
The road to recovery may be long, but with the right support and adjustments, the British star aims to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.