Jack Draper began his 2025 US Open campaign with a four-set win over Argentinian qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez.
The Briton missed a match point in the third set and was made to work on Louis Armstrong Stadium, but ultimately got the job done 6-4, 7-5, 6-7, 6-2.
Playing in his first singles match since his second-round defeat at Wimbledon, there was uncertainty around Draper’s form and fitness heading to New York.
While not at his scintillating best, the 23-year-old came through unscathed, getting good minutes in the tank as he attempts to go further than the semifinal stage he reached at Flushing Meadows this time last year.
Speaking immediately on court after the match, Draper revealed his expectations for this year’s US Open.
Jack Draper ‘not putting too much expectation’ on himself at US Open
Understandably, after such a long injury layoff, Draper was delighted to be back on court.
The Briton said: “Unbelievable to be out here in New York, playing on Louis Armstrong [Stadium].
“I wasn’t too sure if I was going to make it here this year, but we did a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get back on court.
“It wasn’t my finest performance, but credit to my opponent – he played some outstanding tennis. And yeah, I look forward to hopefully improving and getting better as the tournament goes on.”
Then asked how he was approaching the US Open this year after his run to the semifinals in 2024, Draper shared his expectations for the tournament, saying: “I’m not putting too much expectation on myself.
“I feel like I’ve put in the work. If I can get that level back, I’m going to be really tough to beat.”
Who Jack Draper will meet in round two of the US Open as Cameron Norrie also wins
Despite his lack of court time recently, Draper’s experience at last year’s US Open should stand him in good stead at this year’s tournament.
He will meet World No. 48 Zizou Bergs in round two after the Belgian came through in straight sets against Chun-Hsin Tseng to reach the second round of a Grand Slam for just the third time.
Draper will also be joined in the second round by Cameron Norrie after the former World No. 8 beat home hope Sebastian Korda following the American’s retirement after losing the first two sets.
Norrie, who is on Novak Djokovic’s side of the draw and could play the Serbian in the third round, will meet Argentine World No. 54 Francisco Comesana in the next round.