Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 15, 2024 1:12 pm GMT
Jack Draper’s hopes of advancing in the Japan Open were abruptly halted when he pulled out of his quarter-final match against French player Ugo Humbert due to an abdominal injury. The young British tennis star had shown promise but was unable to continue after struggling through the early minutes of the second set on Sunday.
Injury Forces Retirement
Draper, currently ranked as the British No 1, faced Humbert after losing the first set 7-5. He had received treatment for his abdominal complaint but was unable to shake off the discomfort. While trailing 2-1 in the second set, Draper decided to retire from the match, signaling the end of his tournament journey.
During the match, Draper’s movement was noticeably hampered. His serve, in particular, seemed affected as he grimaced after several points. Shaking hands with Humbert mid-game, it was clear that he made a necessary but disappointing decision to withdraw. This loss marked a tough moment for Draper, who had recently reached the semi-finals of the US Open just weeks prior.
What’s Next for Draper
The 22-year-old player’s immediate focus will be on recovery as he looks ahead to the ATP Masters tournament in Shanghai scheduled for the upcoming week. The competition will feature a packed lineup, and Draper hopes to regain fitness in time to participate.
Draper’s early exit at the Japan Open was a setback, especially as he had recently displayed remarkable form by beating the second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the previous round. His performance at the US Open showcased his talent, but the recent injury raises questions about his ongoing readiness for competition.
Humbert Advances in the Tournament
With Draper’s retirement, Ugo Humbert will move on to face Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic in the semi-finals. Humbert demonstrated his skill by overcoming what could have been a challenging match after Draper’s initial strong showing in the first set.
Machac’s upcoming match against Humbert will be closely watched, with fans eager to see who advances to the final. This year’s Japan Open is shaping up to feature intense matches, with other notable players including Arthur Fils, Ben Shelton, Kei Nishikori, and Holger Rune still in contention.
Broadcast and Coverage
Fans can catch live coverage of the ongoing Japan Open matches via Sky Sports. The updated Sky Sports service ensures viewers have access to over 50 percent more live sports this year at no extra cost. With streaming options available on platforms like NOW and the Sky Sports app, it’s easier than ever to stay updated on this tournament’s action.
Draper’s injury serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face, balancing competitiveness with health. As fans and analysts look ahead to upcoming matches, there is hope for a swift recovery and return to form for the promising British player.
Conclusion
Jack Draper had to retire from his match against Ugo Humbert in the quarter-finals of the Japan Open, and this has made people worry about his health. He is hoping to compete in the ATP Masters tournament in Shanghai soon, but it’s unclear how well he will recover in the next few days. Fans are eager to see Draper back on the court, showing the amazing skills that took him to the semi-finals at the US Open.
