Jack Draper’s Injury Battle Continues Ahead of Cincinnati and the US Open

In the third set of his first-round match at the National Bank Open in Montreal, 24-year-old Jack Draper fell behind 4-1 against French qualifier Térence Atmane. Overcome by pain from a recurring bone bruise in his left arm, Draper sat down and wept, eventually losing 6-3, 2-6, 6-2. The visible distress sparked widespread online attention and highlighted the severity of his ongoing physical problems.

Jack Draper confirmed for Cincinnati Open despite being left in tears following defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal

Draper’s difficulties began after a second-round exit at Wimbledon last year, when a bone bruise forced him off the tour for nearly seven months. A comeback at Indian Wells produced a notable win over Novak Djokovic, but a subsequent change to his service motion triggered a knee injury. Since February he has experimented with a hybrid gut string setup and a more flexible racket frame that appears to be from a brand other than his sponsor, Dunlop. He remains ineligible for a protected ranking and now relies on wildcards to enter ATP events. A year ago he was ranked No 4; he is currently No 143.

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Despite the emotional defeat in Montreal, Draper has been granted a wildcard for the Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open, scheduled to begin next week. He also hopes to compete in the US Open, which is set to start on August 30. Participation in the mixed-doubles draw with Jessica Pegula is uncertain, as Pegula noted his ongoing injury struggles.

Jack Draper confirmed for Cincinnati Open despite being left in tears following defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal

Draper described his injury as “very complex” and emphasized that his team is doing everything possible to manage it. He expressed a desire for a “rebirth” once the “perfect storm” of setbacks subsides. Pegula acknowledged Draper’s difficulties and said she will see how his health evolves before their mixed-doubles match. Tournament officials have confirmed his wildcard entries, allowing him to remain on the ATP calendar despite his condition.

Jack Draper confirmed for Cincinnati Open despite being left in tears following defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal

• “He knows what's going on inside his body, and he knows the work he's done to try and get back on court.” — Sky Sports. Croft

Jack Draper confirmed for Cincinnati Open despite being left in tears following defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal

• “I know that he's been really struggling a bit with some injuries and I saw today he had a really tough day with his match.” — Jessica Pegula

Jack Draper confirmed for Cincinnati Open despite being left in tears following defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal

• “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.” — Jack Draper

Jack Draper confirmed for Cincinnati Open despite being left in tears following defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal