Despite not playing any tournaments ahead of the US Open, Jack Draper is ‘motivated’ ahead of the last Grand Slam of the year.
The British number one has had a remarkable year which included winning his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells which was followed by reaching the final in Madrid.
However, after a disappointing campaign at Wimbledon Draper has taken time to heal his arm injury that he has been dealing with for a while now.
Speaking recently Draper detailed his arm injury but insisted he is refreshed and motivated ahead of New York, “I found out I had an injury in my arm, which I had been playing with for a little while,” Draper was quoted by tennis365.com as saying to the LTA website.
“The doctors and my team advised me that I’d need to take some time out. I had a few days off, so I chilled and took my mind off tennis. Then I was really motivated to come back and do a really good fitness block and work myself hard physically to make some good gains.
“I got back to my tennis slowly to protect my arm, but it’s been a really productive few weeks now. It was disappointing to miss Toronto and Cincinnati, but I think it’s been a good period for me to reflect on things and improve.
“I’m really looking forward to going out to the US Open, and I’m in a great place personally and tennis-wise. I feel refreshed, motivated, and I can’t wait to get back out there.”
The world number four heads into the US Open with no match play under his belt after missing back-to-back Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati due to his arm injury.
Although that could be concerning given that he defends semi-final points at the US Open, Draper did play the Australian Open with no match-play and still reached the fourth round as he won three consecutive five set matches.
Ahead of the last Grand Slam of the year Draper spoke about his run at last year’s tournament and reflected what he enjoys most about New York, “Last year’s US Open was amazing – I reflect on it with really positive memories. It gave me so much confidence and set me up for what was to come for the rest of the year and also the start of this year,” Draper was quoted by tennis365.com as saying.
“Pushing through five best-of-five set matches, against the best players in the world on the biggest stages – that just gives me so much belief. It was a big moment for me and probably one of the biggest in my career so far.
“For me, the atmosphere is the best at the US Open. I love the crowd dynamic, the rowdiness, and I just really enjoy the surroundings and what it brings. It’s a lively, energetic crowd, and that gets the best out of me for sure.”
The US Open begins on Monday 25th of August.
