Draper has ‘very big’ mountain to climb in bid to return to his best

Jack Draper's bid to return to his top form faces a significant challenge after suffering a first-round loss at the Cincinnati Open. The British player, who reached a career-high ranking of four in 2025, was defeated 6-3 7-5 by Martin Landaluce. Draper had to withdraw from Wimbledon in June due to a bone injury in his arm and also dealt with a knee injury in the current season. His early exits from Montreal and Cincinnati suggest a steep climb back to his best.

Draper, currently ranked 143rd, acknowledged the magnitude of his struggles, stating, "The way I'm usually able to fight for every ball and conduct myself, it’s just missing." The 24-year-old's recent tears of frustration following his loss to Terence Atmane at the Canadian Open highlight the emotional toll of his injuries and inconsistent play.

With the US Open set to begin on August 30, Draper will likely have to navigate the qualifying process, where he was a semi-finalist in 2024. The distance he must cover to regain his former level is described by Draper as "very, very big."