Jack Draper crashes out of US Open after tense semi-final match

The Brit vomited several times on court before being beaten in straight sets

Author: Rory GannonPublished 7th Sep 2024

Jack Draper has said that anxiety was to blame for his illness on court that caused his defeat at the US Open.

The 22-year-old tennis star had been playing in the semi-final of the competition against top seed Jannik Sinner on Friday evening (September 6th).

However, despite going in as the underdog in the match, Draper's nerves appeared to get the better of him during the course of play.

The star went on to vomit on court four times during the course of the match, with the final time coming after he had been defeated in straight sets by the world number one.

Speaking to the Press Association following his loss, Draper conceded he did not feel at his best during the game.

"I think obviously it's a big occasion for me," Draper said. "I definitely felt, even though I generally feel pretty relaxed, I definitely felt more excited today, a few more nerves around.

"I'm definitely someone who is, I think, quite an anxious human being. I think when you add all that together, sometimes I do feel a bit nausea on court, and I do feel a little bit sick when it gets tough.

"I didn't have any problems before the match, but it obviously just built up."

He went on to say that after throwing up on the court several times, he felt dizzy and more sick, which influenced his style of play.

Sinner paid tribute to his adversary, saying that there will be several other battles between the pair in the future.

"He's made his breakthrough this week a little bit, playing some amazing tennis, serving very well. Physically he has improved a lot," Sinner explained.

"So he's going to be very tough to beat in the future, for sure. I'm happy for him."

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.