Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Mubadala DC Open in Washington on the eve of his scheduled first-round match against Alex Michelsen. The 24-year-old Briton is dealing with yet another recurrence of his left arm injury, a problem that has plagued him since the 2025 US Open.
A twelve-month nightmare
The issue first surfaced in September 2025, when Draper was forced to retire from his second-round match against Zizou Bergs at the US Open. After six months on the sidelines, he made his competitive return in February during the Davis Cup, only for a knee injury to halt his momentum. He returned at Eastbourne in late June but felt the arm pain again during his Wimbledon preparation.
A dramatic fall in the rankings
Just over a year ago, Jack Draper sat at world number four after a breakthrough 2025 season. Now ranked 131st, he has managed only 14 matches in the past twelve months and has missed all three Grand Slams this season: the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.
Qualifying required for the US Open
With his current ranking, Draper will need to go through qualifying if he hopes to compete at the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows. An unthinkable scenario just a year ago for the man who reached the semi-finals in New York in 2024. Lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald has taken his place in the Washington draw.
The Briton posted on social media: "I am only grateful for the struggle." A fighting spirit, despite the relentless setbacks that have defined this dark season.
