Britain’s Jack Draper threw up on court during a dramatic US Open semi-final defeat where world number one Jannik Sinner ultimately proved a step up in class.
The 22-year-old British number one’s breakout run at a Grand Slam tournament was ended in a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 defeat in New York.
In the biggest match of his fledgling career, 25th seed Draper caused problems for Sinner in a tight first set.
But, as the contest became more physical in the second set, a peaky-looking Draper vomited and was unable to inflict enough damage on Sinner’s serve.
The third set quickly got out of control for Draper, who looked spent as he wearily hugged his good friend Sinner after the Italian moved into his first US Open final.
“First of all, me and Jack know each other very well – it was a very physical match. I tried to stay there mentally. It was tough,” said Australian Open champion Sinner, who is aiming for the second major title of his career.
Sinner, 23, will go on to face either 12th seed Taylor Fritz or 20th seed Frances Tiafoe, who meet in an all-American semi-final later on Friday.
Draper beaten but plenty to be proud about
Long heralded as the future of British men’s tennis, Draper has enjoyed a breakout season where he has won his first ATP title, become his nation’s leading player and reached the semi-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.
Fittingly, his run to the US Open semi-finals – on a medium-fast hard court which suits his explosive game – came in the first major since Andy Murray retired.
The left-hander from Surrey has taken the baton from former world number one Murray.
However, he was unable to become the first British man to reach a major final since the Scot.
The early part of Draper’s career was littered with fitness issues and building up his body to withstand the rigours of a brutal sport has been the catalyst for his success this year.
Nervous tension, though, has been a factor. Notably, he was sick immediately after securing victory in the Australian Open first round back in January, putting that down to the “psychological stress” of the situation.
If that was a factor on this occasion remains to be seen.
Whatever the issue, Draper showed resilience to continue fighting against the best player in the world, having refused to retire like he had to do earlier in his career.
And once the disappointment settles, he will reflect with huge pride on an encouraging two weeks which indicates there are more exciting times ahead for British tennis fans.
More to follow.
