Jack Draper to Miss Remainder of Season Due to Arm Injury
NEW YORK – British number one Jack Draper has announced he will sit out the rest of the 2023 season due to a persistent arm injury,bringing a premature end to his US Open campaign and raising concerns about his long-term fitness. Draper, 21, revealed the decision after his first-round victory at the US Open, citing the need for extended recovery and preventative measures.
DraperS early career has been repeatedly disrupted by physical setbacks. He was sidelined for two and a half months in the summer of 2023 with a shoulder injury, and a hip issue in December of last year hampered his preparations for the current season. The demanding nature of his game – notably the power generated from his serve and forehand – is believed to contribute to the strain on his body.
“It’s surprised me a little bit that even when I do serve full out, my service numbers and my aces aren’t where I want them to be - and I think sometimes almost reining it in is not a bad thing,” Draper told BBC Sport. He acknowledged a potential shift in strategy, suggesting a focus on precision and variety over sheer power.
“You see the top servers ever to play – someone like a novak Djokovic has such an underrated serve,and he hits his spots incredibly well. He’s not banging it at 140 [miles per hour],” Draper explained. “They are using their slices,the spins,different variations - so I think there is definitely something to be saeid in that. it’s not all about how fast you hit your service, it’s about how effective it is.”
Draper understands the potential severity of his injury and the importance of a thorough recovery. by ending his season now, he will have at least four months to rehabilitate before the start of the next campaign. The decision underscores the challenges faced by young players navigating the physical demands of professional tennis.
