Jack Draper kicks off his 2025 US Open campaign against Argentinian qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez on Monday.
After a run to the semifinals last year, the World No. 5 returns to Flushing Meadows aiming to go even further this time around.
Despite disappointment at the Grand Slams thus far this year, including an early exit at Wimbledon, the Briton has had an otherwise strong season, claiming his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in March.
His best career achievement to date, that success proved that Draper has taken on board his words after his defeat to Jannik Sinner at the 2024 US Open, evidence that he is ready to surpass what he achieved last year in New York.
Jack Draper’s nerves at the 2024 US Open should be eased by a strong 2025 season
Prior to the 2024 US Open, Draper had never been past the fourth round of a Grand Slam.
He put that record straight, however, beating the likes of Alex de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz’s conqueror, Botic van de Zandschulp, on his way to a showdown with Sinner, all without dropping a set.
Unfortunately, the Italian got the better of the Briton on the day, with Draper struggling with stomach issues amid the heat and Sinner’s incessant forehand.
Speaking in his press conference after the defeat, however, Draper was candid and mature about the nerves he had experienced on the day.
The 23-year-old said: “Obviously, [the semifinal of a Grand Slam is] a big occasion for me.
“Even though I generally feel pretty relaxed and stuff, I definitely felt a little bit more excited today. You know, a few more nerves around.
“I’m definitely someone who is, you know, quite an anxious human being. So, I think when you add all that together, I do feel a bit of nausea on court, and I do feel a bit sick when it gets tough.
Having now won a tournament as prestigious as Indian Wells, perceived by tennis fans and pundits as the most significant tournament on the calendar outside of the four Slams, the Briton will surely be better placed to deal with any nerves should he enjoy another deep run in New York.
Jannik Sinner could again stand in Jack Draper’s way at the 2025 US Open
Unfortunately for Draper, if he wants to outdo what he did in 2024, he will need to get past Sinner at this year’s US Open.
The two men have been drawn together in the same bracket, meaning they will meet in the quarterfinals in New York, should they both come through unscathed to that point.
Before then, Draper could also face potential banana skins in big-serving Canadian Gabriel Diallo, Wimbledon quarterfinalist Flavio Cobolli, and Italian tenth seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Meanwhile, Sinner, off the back of his retirement in the Cincinnati Open final, has Alexei Popyrin, Alexander Bublik, former US Open champion Marin Cilic, and Tommy Paul on his side of the draw.
It is therefore not a formality that the two men could renew their rivalry at Flushing Meadows.