British tennis star Jack Draper, the world No. 7 and British No. 1, has been forced to end his 2025 season prematurely due to a persistent arm injury that led to his withdrawal from the US Open before his second-round match on August 27, 2025. The 23-year-old, who reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows in 2024, announced on social media on September 8, 2025, that he would miss the remainder of the season to rest and recover from bone bruising in his left humerus, a decision that has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and the tennis community. The move, while necessary to protect his long-term health, comes at a significant cost to his career momentum and ranking, with prayers and well-wishes flooding in for his recovery.
## The Injury and US Open Withdrawal
Draper’s arm troubles began during the clay-court season in April 2025, with discomfort in his left serving arm—diagnosed as bone stress and bruising in the humerus—worsening on grass courts. Despite a seven-week break after a shock second-round loss to Marin Cilic at Wimbledon in July, Draper arrived at the US Open optimistic, telling *BBC Sport* he was “ready to go” despite residual discomfort. He competed in mixed doubles with Jessica Pegula, reaching the semi-finals, and wore a compression sleeve during a gritty first-round win over Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in four sets (6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3) on August 25.
However, the physical toll of the match aggravated his injury. Draper practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday morning at Flushing Meadows, testing his arm with forehands, but the discomfort became “too much,” as he wrote on X: “I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play but the discomfort in my arm has become too much and I have to do what is right and look after myself. Thank you for all the support” (*@jackdraper0*). His withdrawal before facing Zizou Bergs handed the Belgian a walkover into the third round, marking the first time a men’s top-five seed withdrew during the US Open in the Open Era, per *ESPN*.
## A Painful Career Decision
On September 8, 2025, Draper announced the heart-wrenching decision to sit out the rest of the season, a move necessitated by medical advice to prevent the bone bruising from escalating into a more serious condition. “Unfortunately, the injury to my arm is something I have to rest and means I’ll be sitting out the rest of 2025,” he wrote on X, per *Sky Sports*. “It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff.” The decision means missing key events like the Chengdu Open (September 17), the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, and a potential debut at the ATP Finals in Turin, where he was ranked No. 9 in the Race to Turin, per *The Athletic*.
The injury’s impact is significant. Draper’s 2024 US Open semi-final run earned him substantial ranking points, and his withdrawal will likely see him drop out of the top 10 when those points expire, per *BBC Sport*. His absence from the ATP Finals, especially with Novak Djokovic’s doubtful participation, is a blow to his goal of cementing his status among the world’s elite, behind only Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
## Fan Support and Tennis Community Response
The tennis community and fans rallied around Draper, with social media platforms flooded with messages of support. Posts on X included sentiments like, “Gutted for you, Jack. Wishing you a speedy recovery and comeback stronger!” and “Prayers for a full recovery, you’ve got this!” reflecting the outpouring of empathy, per *Sky Sports*. Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic, speaking on Radio 5 Live, was unsurprised by the withdrawal, noting, “Adrenaline can do things to your body—you might feel fine for weeks and after a four-set match it can feel aggravated. Bone injuries are difficult to handle” (*BBC Sport*). Tim Henman, a former British No. 1, backed Draper’s decision, telling *Sky Sports*, “He’s still very young… you cannot compete at this level unless you are very, very close to 100 per cent” (*Times Series*).
Draper’s team, including fitness trainer Matt Little and physio Shane Annun (formerly with Andy Murray), has prioritized a cautious recovery. A scan before the US Open showed progress, but post-tournament discomfort prompted further investigation, with no surgery required, per *The Guardian*. This approach reflects Draper’s history of injuries, including a shoulder issue that sidelined him for Wimbledon 2023, making his 2024 season—highlighted by an ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and a Madrid Open final—his healthiest and most successful yet.
## A Season of Highs and Lows
Draper’s 2025 season showcased his potential as a top-tier player. His Indian Wells title in March, defeating Alcaraz in the semi-finals, and a career-high ranking of No. 4 in June positioned him as a contender to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner. His physical transformation, described as developing “a man’s body” by *BBC Sport*, with a 6ft 4in, 90kg frame, drew comparisons to a UFC fighter. However, the arm injury, which he played through during the clay and grass seasons, derailed his momentum. “It got progressively worse,” Draper admitted, noting that continuing to play risked a “very, very serious” condition (*BBC Sport*).
The decision to rest echoes broader trends in tennis, where players like Alcaraz, who withdrew from the Davis Cup to recover post-US Open, prioritize health to sustain long careers. Draper’s resilience, however, shines through. “I’ve been through this before and I always come back stronger as I’m so motivated to fulfil my potential as a player,” he wrote, per *The Guardian*.
## Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Recovery
Draper’s focus now is on rehabilitation, with a return targeted for the 2026 season, likely at the Australian Open (January 12-25). His absence from the court will be felt, particularly in Britain, where he’s seen as Andy Murray’s successor. Fans and analysts remain optimistic, with *The Telegraph* noting his “wise and mature decision” to prioritize recovery. As prayers and support continue to pour in, Draper’s determination—bolstered by a team that includes Murray’s former staff—positions him to return stronger, aiming to reclaim his top-10 status and chase his first Grand Slam title.
*Sources: BBC Sport (web:0,2,5,7,9,16,17), The Athletic (web:1,19), The Guardian (web:3,10,11), Sky Sports (web:4,20), ESPN (web:6), ATP Tour (web:8,21), Times Series (web:23), @jackdraper0 (post:0).*
