British tennis star leaves fans divided after crushing injury blow

Jack Draper was forced to end his season early due to an arm injury. The British No. 1 enjoyed a breakout run in 2024 and backed it up this year by winning Indian Wells, getting to the finals in Madrid and Doha, and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world.

Draper seemed primed to make his debut at the season-ending ATP Finals as one of the world's eight best players. But he took a seven-week break after Wimbledon, and then shut down his season altogether after pulling out of the US Open.

It's not the first time Draper's young career has been derailed by physical issues. The 23-year-old has faced several setbacks since turning professional, and he now has bone bruising on his left humerus.

But tennis fans are now questioning whether the promising British prospect will ever reach the pinnacle of the sport and capture a Grand Slam title, given all of his injury woes.

Express Sport readers have been divided after the arm issue forced Draper to miss the rest of this year's tournaments, as 56 per cent believe injuries will stop him from one day claiming a Major trophy, while 44 per cent are backing the Brit to claim one of the sport's biggest titles.

The current world No. 7 has already reached the semi-final of a Grand Slam, winning five matches without dropping a set at last year's US Open, before losing to top seed and eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Draper also showed promise at this year's French Open, even though clay was never one of his strong surfaces. He reached the last 16 before being upset by Alexander Bublik.

But the British No. 1 started feeling something in his arm during the grass season. He suffered a shock second-round defeat at Wimbledon and then announced that he would skip the Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati to rest and recover.

Draper returned at the US Open, reaching the semi-finals of the new two-day mixed doubles event with Jessica Pegula. He then won his opening round in singles. But he withdrew from the tournament before his second match.

A couple of weeks later, the three-time title winner announced: "Unfortunately, the injury to my arm is something I have to rest and means I'll be sitting out the rest of 2025.

"It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff.

"However I've been through this before..and I always come back stronger as I'm so motivated to fulfil my potential as a player. Huge thanks to everyone who backs me to do well and supports me on my journey. Can't wait to get back out there and give it my all. See you soon!"

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