Laura Robson and Tim Henman react to Jack Draper's withdrawl from US Open

Sky Sports pundits Laura Robson and Tim Henman revealed Jack Draper was in 'good spirits' in the morning. The 23-year-old has withdrawn from the US Open due to discomfort in his arm.

The British number one endured a frustrating Wimbledon campaign, where he was knocked out in the second round to former US Open champion Marin Cilic. After the major, Draper took a step back from the court to recover from an arm injury. He skipped the beginning of the North American hardcourt swing, which included two Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati. He returned for the revamped mixed doubles event held in fan week and teamed up with Jessica Pegula, going all the way to the semi-finals, where they came unstuck by eventual runners-up Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek.

He came out on top in his first round tie against Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in four sets. Despite this, the pain has got too much for him, and he has been forced to make the tough decision to withdraw from the event before his second round tie against Zizou Bergs. Draper had come to the tournament as last year's semi-finalist, where he was beaten by the world number one Jannik Sinner.

He released a statement on X, which said: "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."

Robson and Henman surprised at withdrawal

It is a tough pill for Draper to swallow, who came into the tournament as one of the players who was touted to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz for the title. Robson revealed that it came just too soon for him, and that when he steps on the court for a match, it changes everything in terms of how the injury would hold up.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Robson said: "He's officially released a statement saying it was the arm that just didn't hold up after his first-round match. He was on site this morning having a practice and it still seemed like it was quite positive but I think it was just too soon for him. That match intensity changes things. You don't ever fully know until you actually step out there and play all out. Unfortunately, it was just a bit too much. It's really disappointing because this was the tournament he did so well at last year, making the semi-finals."

Former British number one Henman revealed that Draper had been in good spirits in the morning,and was surpirsed by the announcement. "Laura and I actually had breakfast with Jack this morning and he seemed in good spirits," Henman said. "He must have known that things weren't ideal, but he was going to go out on the practice court and give it a go. You understand, playing at this level - best of five sets - it has got to be close to ideal in order to go out there, and his arm is something he's struggled with for a long time. Hugely disappointing that Jack has had to pull out."

It is hugely disappointing for Draper, who becomes the latest Brit to depart from the competition. Just Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley wave the British flag for the men, while Emma Raducanu continues to show signs she is back to her best after another dominant victory in her second round tie. Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, and Francesca Jones, along with Billy Harris in the men's draw, left Flushing Meadows empty-handed.