Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Mubadala DC Open as he continues to struggle with a recurring arm injury. The former world number four's participation in the tournament was called off due to issues surrounding his bruised humerus.
Draper has played only 14 matches in the past 12 months, largely due to the persistent arm problem, which has led to extended periods of rest. He acknowledged the difficulty in discerning when to push through discomfort and when to stop, stating at Wimbledon, "At the end of the day I'm playing a very aggressive sport, that you need to play through some stuff. Sometimes it's too much. Sometimes it's not."
He emphasized his caution, adding, "I wouldn't be competing anywhere if there was a chance that I'm going to get a lot worse, for instance."
Draper's attempted comebacks earlier this season were hampered by tendinitis in his knee. Before his return at Eastbourne in June, he had not competed for over two months. Although he reached the semi-finals at Eastbourne, the arm injury flared up again during Wimbledon, leading to his withdrawal from his home Grand Slam, an outcome he described as "devastating."
The British player, currently ranked 147th in the world, has not participated in a major tournament since the US Open in August of the previous year. If he is deemed fit enough to compete at Flushing Meadows this year, he will likely need to go through qualifying or receive a wildcard to enter the main draw.
Mackenzie McDonald will take Draper's place in the draw for the Washington tournament as a lucky loser.