Jack Draper, the British number one, was forced to retire injured during his quarter-final match against Ugo Humbert in the Japan Open. The unfortunate incident occurred when Draper was receiving on-court treatment for a suspected abdominal issue while trailing 5-4 in the first set. This marked Draper’s return to the ATP Tour after his impressive semifinal run at the US Open earlier this month.
Despite initially attempting to continue playing, Draper made the difficult decision to withdraw from the match while trailing 7-5 2-1 against his French opponent. Throughout the match, the 22-year-old appeared to be struggling with discomfort and received a medical timeout where his stomach muscles were massaged in an attempt to alleviate the issue.
Humbert, ranked 19th in the world and one place higher than Draper, will now face Czech player Tomas Machac in the quest for a spot in the final. The start of the match was briefly delayed by rain after the coin toss and warm-up, leading to the closure of the roof as a precaution. The players had an even start as they exchanged breaks twice in the opening nine games before Draper’s physical struggles became evident, prompting the need for physiotherapy intervention.
The British player managed to hold his serve to stay in the first set, but Humbert’s strong performance, including a spectacular cross-court forehand, put him in control of the match. Despite Draper’s efforts, he eventually had to concede the match, walking off the court after deciding to end the contest.
This unexpected turn of events marked a disappointing end to what could have been an exciting quarter-final clash. Draper’s determination and resilience were evident as he tried to push through the injury, showcasing his competitive spirit on the court. The focus now shifts to Humbert’s upcoming match against Machac as he continues his pursuit of success in the tournament.