British No.1 Jack Draper has dramatically withdrawn from the US Open due to injury - just a day before he was set to face Zizou Bergs in the second round.
The 23-year-old confirmed the news in a post on social media, writing: "Hi guys, I'm sorry to say I'll be withdrawing from the US Open.
"I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play, but the discomfort in my arm has become too much and I have to do what is right and look after myself. Thank you for all the support."
Draper beat Argentinian Federico Gomez 6-4 7-5 6-7(7) 6-2 on Monday in the first round. He was scheduled to play Bergs tomorrow, while the Belgian will now receive a walkover.
British No1 Jack Draper has withdrawn from the US Open due to injury
|REUTERS
US Open organisers also confirmed the news: "Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Men's Singles event with an injury. Zizou Bergs advances to the third round by walkover."
The No5 seed had been struggling with an injury to his left arm recently, and had not played a singles match between his second-round exit in Wimbledon and his opening match of the US Open.
During his first-round match against Gómez, Draper could be seen sporting heavy strapping on his left arm.
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The news marks a major disappointment for Jack Draper, who had tried to overcome the injury in time for the US Open
|REUTERS
"I wasn't sure if I would make it here this year, but we have done a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get myself back on court," the British No1 stated after the match, referencing the injury he had been struggling with.
"I'm not putting too many expectations on myself. I haven't played loads, so I'm trying to conserve as much energy as I can."
The injury hadn't gone unnoticed by pundits either, with former world No4 Tim Henman expressing his concerns, despite the victory.
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"That was not easy. There will be questions about his arm," Henman observed after the match on Monday.
"You cannot question his fighting spirit and fingers crossed his body and arm will pull up before his second round."
The news marks a huge disappointment for Draper, who fell short in the second round of this year's Wimbledon against Marin Cilic.
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Jack Draper lost in the second round of Wimbledon this year against Marin Čilić
|GETTY
Sky Sports pundit Laura Robson said it was "too soon" for Draper.
"He was on-site this morning, having a practice, and we saw him earlier and it seemed like it was still quite positive," Robson explained.
"But the practice today, you just know whether it's going to last in a best of five [set match] or not, and it was just too soon."
Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic spoke on the BBC, claiming she was "not surprised" by Drapers withdrawal from the tournament.
"The doctor did say he would need eight weeks out, so he did significantly push the envelope here," she explained.
"Adrenaline can do things to your body, you might feel fine for weeks and after a four-set match it can feel aggravated.
"Bone injuries are difficult to handle, they can always come back if you come back too early. You have to be disciplined and rest bone injuries completely."