Draper Pulls out of DC with Arm Injury

Jack Draper has been working hard to get back on the tennis court after pulling out of Wimbledon at the 11th hour. The former world No.4 was at the Citi Open over the weekend, preparing to enter the main draw as a wild card, but he has once again been forced to pull out. 

Draper, who was slated to face Alex Michelsen in the first round, has pulled the plug, citing the left arm injury that kept him from playing Wimbledon. 

He was replaced by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald in the main draw.

Draper, ranked 147 this week, has played just one event since pulling out of Barcelona with a knee injury. He reached the semifinals in Eastbourne in that event, taking his record to 8-5 on the season. 

He took to Instagram to give his thoughts on the difficult time he has had with injuries since last season.

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“These last months have felt like nothing but adversity and setbacks,” Draper wrote. “Most days I’ve spent in doubt, yet hopeful that I can keep taking positive steps forward and finding ways to progress. On days off, I reflect, and I’m only grateful for the struggle and what it’s teaching me. Finding acceptance and being patient with the process has been my biggest challenge, but I know I’m getting closer to where I want to be!! Very lucky to have such amazing people to help guide me through this storm, and so with that… we keep persevering.”

In other news, Draper has entered the US Open mixed doubles entry list pairing up with American Jessica Pegula.