Jack Draper battled through on-court sickness to secure a gutsy 6-4, 7-5, 6-7, 6-2 victory over Federico Agustin Gomez in the US Open first round. The British number one was visibly wilting and vomited on the Louis Armstrong court, echoing his dramatic 2024 semi-final against Jannik Sinner.
This time Draper faced world number 127 Gomez rather than the world's best player, allowing him to fight through his physical struggles in four sets. The world number five admitted before the tournament he was not completely pain-free following his injury layoff.
Physical struggles evident
Draper's serve speed dropped significantly from his 115mph average during last year's US Open run to just 109mph against Gomez. The Guardian reports his serve speed declined further to 105mph by the fourth set, highlighting his physical difficulties.
The 22-year-old was competing in his first singles match since Wimbledon seven weeks ago, where he suffered bone bruising in his left arm after losing to Marin Cilic. He wore a black compression sleeve during the match as he continues his recovery.
Heat takes its toll
Playing conditions reached 29°C at Flushing Meadows, with Brazilian player Joao Fonseca also suffering from vomiting on the same day. Tim Henman suggested on Sky commentary that anxiety was a factor: "Anxiety is something Jack has battled with and is working on."
Draper had previously blamed paracetamol for churning his insides during last year's semi-final sickness incident. He launched an internal investigation into his stomach troubles following that match.
Opponent's remarkable journey
Gomez, 28, spent three years working as a coach after struggling to break through in professional tennis. The Independent reports he was driven to suicidal thoughts by his failure to crack the professional ranks before experiencing a late career bloom this season.
The Argentine produced some brilliant shotmaking in the third set but ultimately couldn't capitalise on Draper's physical struggles. Draper showed mental toughness to close out the victory despite his weakened state.
Tournament progression
Draper advances to face Belgian Zizou Bergs in the second round, joining fellow Briton Cameron Norrie who progressed when Sebastian Korda retired trailing 7-5, 6-4. Norrie will next play Argentine Francisco Comesana.
The victory demonstrates Draper's resilience but raises questions about his tournament prospects given his current physical condition and extended break from competitive play.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "The Independent", "The Guardian", "GB News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
