Jack Draper, Britain’s top-ranked player, withdrew from the US Open on Wednesday before his second-round match because of an arm injury.
Draper had been sidelined for much of the summer because of the injury, but he did compete in the mixed-doubles tournament last week, teaming with American Jessica Pegula, and reaching the semi-finals.
‘Hi guys, I’m sorry to say I’ll be withdrawing from the US Open,’ Draper said on social media.
‘I tried my very best to be here and give myself the 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.’
The 23-year-old Draper, who is ranked fifth in the world and was a semifinalist last year at Flushing Meadows, won his first round match at the US Open against Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-2. He won his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells earlier this year, before inching his way to the top five in the ATP rankings.
Zizou Bergs will advance to the third round by walkover and will face the winner of Gabriel Diallo and Jaume Munar.
