Britain's Jack Draper has issued a formidable warning to his US Open rivals, declaring himself fully fit, refreshed, and primed for a deep run at Flushing Meadows after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old left-hander was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon earlier this summer due to a shoulder injury, a setback that required careful management and a period of complete rest. Now, after a dedicated rehabilitation block, Draper is buzzing with energy and confidence.
"I won't be holding back," Draper asserted, his focus sharpened by the time away from competition. "I'm raring to go. I've had a good break, I've recovered well, and my body is in a great place. I feel fresh and I'm really excited to get out there and compete."
A Forced Break and a Silver Lining
The untimely injury, while disappointing, offered an unexpected opportunity for physical and mental recalibration. Draper used the break to not only heal but also to add strength, ensuring he returns to the tour as a more robust athlete.
"It's never nice being injured, especially around the time of the biggest tournaments," he admitted. "But it's given me a chance to work on a few things in the gym, to get stronger. Sometimes a break can be a blessing in disguise. I've come back feeling more powerful and my body is definitely in better shape than it was before."
Ambitions for New York
Draper's talent has never been in question, with many pundits tipping him as a future Grand Slam contender. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline game are perfectly suited to the fast hard courts of the US Open.
This year, he arrives without the burden of ranking pressure, allowing him to play with freedom and aggression. His goal is clear: to string together wins and make a significant impact on the biggest stage.
"I'm not here to just make up the numbers," he stated emphatically. "I've put in the hard work, I've done the rehab, and now I'm ready to test myself against the best. I believe I can go far in this tournament."
With a clean bill of health and a reignited hunger, Jack Draper steps onto the courts in New York, a dangerous floater in the draw and a name no top player will want to see beside theirs.
