British tennis sensation Jack Draper has made the tough decision to withdraw from two upcoming Masters tournaments, sparking concerns over his fitness ahead of the US Open. The 21-year-old, currently ranked as British No. 1, was set to compete in the North American hard-court swing but has been forced to pull out due to ongoing injury worries.
The sudden withdrawal throws Draper's participation in the final Grand Slam of the year into question and potentially jeopardises his hopes of qualifying for the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin. This development comes as a significant blow to the rising star's momentum after showing promising form earlier in the season.
Injury Woes Continue for British Talent
Draper's career has been hampered by persistent fitness issues, with this latest setback marking another frustrating chapter. The left-hander had been building impressive form before this interruption, including notable performances at Wimbledon where he reached the second round before bowing out to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Tennis insiders suggest the decision to withdraw from the Masters events is precautionary, with Draper's team prioritising his long-term development over short-term gains. However, the timing couldn't be worse with the US Open just weeks away.
ATP Finals Hopes in Jeopardy
The withdrawal significantly impacts Draper's chances of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals. Currently sitting outside the top 20 in the Race to Turin standings, the young Brit needed strong performances in the upcoming tournaments to boost his qualification prospects.
With several ranking points now set to be dropped due to his absence, Draper faces an uphill battle to break into the elite eight-player field. The setback comes at a crucial moment in his development as he looks to establish himself among tennis's top echelon.
British Tennis Takes Another Hit
Draper's withdrawal represents another blow for British tennis following Emma Raducanu's ongoing injury struggles. As one of the country's brightest prospects, his absence from these important tournaments leaves a noticeable gap in British representation at the highest level.
The Lawn Tennis Association will be monitoring Draper's situation closely, with the hope that he can recover in time to make an impact at Flushing Meadows. For now, British fans must wait anxiously for updates on their young star's condition.
