Britain’s Jack Draper made headlines at the US Open with a dramatic semi-final performance that saw the 22-year-old vomit on court during his defeat to world number one, Jannik Sinner. Draper, who has been heralded as the future of British tennis, lost in straight sets 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, in what was the biggest match of his burgeoning career. Despite causing problems for Sinner early in the contest, the physical toll of the match became evident in the second set when a visibly unwell Draper vomited three times on court.
In what was his first Grand Slam semi-final, Draper’s impressive run in New York came to an emotional and gut-wrenching end. “I’m definitely someone who is quite an anxious human being,” Draper admitted after the match. The British number one has struggled with nerves throughout his career, and the pressure of playing against a top-ranked opponent took its toll. “I didn’t have any problems before the match, but it obviously just built up,” Draper added.
Despite the illness, Draper showed commendable resilience, battling on in front of his family and friends who had flown in from London. The match was paused briefly in the second set to clean the court after Draper’s vomit incident, and the physical and mental challenge seemed insurmountable as the match progressed. Sinner, who will now face American Taylor Fritz in the final, praised Draper’s fighting spirit: “He is tough to beat.”
This performance, although ending in defeat, capped a breakthrough season for Draper, who has climbed into the top 20 rankings from 123rd place in just a year. The Surrey-born left-hander has become Britain’s leading player, taking over the mantle left by Andy Murray, and his US Open run has cemented his status as a player to watch.
Draper’s journey to the semi-finals, which included wins over players ranked below him, showcased his growth and maturity on the court. However, his inability to sustain his high level against Sinner highlighted ongoing challenges with nerves and physical stamina. Draper previously struggled with fitness issues, which he has worked hard to overcome, but the semi-final showed that the psychological aspect of high-stakes tennis remains an area of concern.
Sinner’s win was not without its own drama. The Italian also required treatment after injuring his wrist during a bizarre sequence of events that saw both players receive medical attention simultaneously. Despite these setbacks, Sinner controlled the match, using powerful groundstrokes to push Draper back and force errors, securing his place in his first US Open final.
As Draper reflects on this challenging yet inspiring run, the young Briton can take pride in his achievements and look ahead with optimism. His battles with anxiety and physical strain have been part of his journey, but his determination to continue fighting, even when unwell, signals a promising future for British tennis.
This semi-final defeat may sting, but Draper’s performance has provided British tennis fans with plenty of hope. He has shown that he has the talent and tenacity to compete at the highest level, and with further growth and experience, the future looks bright.
For full match details and to keep up with the latest tournament updates, visit the US Open Official Website.
