Draper Withdraws from US Open Amid Persistent Arm Injury
Jack Draper has pulled out of the 2026 US Open due to a bone bruise in his left arm, his dominant arm. The 24-year-old British player has missed multiple Grand Slams this year because of recurring injuries, including the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. His last Grand Slam appearance was at the 2025 US Open, where he withdrew after his first-round match.
Draper's ranking has plummeted from world No. 4 to No. 143 since last summer, a direct consequence of his limited competitive schedule. His only notable result this season was reaching the Eastbourne Open semifinals in June, where he fell to Ugo Humbert. Recent losses at the National Bank Open and Cincinnati Open suggest his form remains far from peak level.
With 17 players already withdrawing from the 2026 US Open, including Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune, the tournament field is notably depleted. Draper's next potential appearance could come at the Shanghai Masters or Paris Masters this fall, though his recovery timeline remains uncertain ahead of the Australian Open in January.
Draper's extended absence could reshape the competitive landscape of men's tennis, as a former top-five player missing multiple Grand Slams reduces the depth of elite fields and alters seeding dynamics. His decline may also impact British tennis's international profile and fan engagement, while younger players could gain ranking opportunities. For Draper personally, the prolonged injury battle may affect his long-term career trajectory and mental resilience, though his age still allows room for recovery.