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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jonathan Spencer

British star Jack Draper's US Open journey comes to heartbreaking end through injury

Jack Draper's US Open debut has come to an abrupt end after suffering a heartbreaking injury during his third round match against Russian player Karen Khachanov.

Draper had enjoyed a fine showing on his senior debut at Flushing Meadows, progressing to the third round after beating Emil Ruusuvuori in his opener before sealing one of his biggest wins to date against sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.

And he was more than a match for Khachanov, who has reached the quarter finals of Wimbledon and the French Open before. After losing the first set, Draper bounced back emphatically winning 6-4 in the second and carried on that form in the next set.

However, Draper soon began to show discomfort in the third set, and after losing on his serve in the 11th game and following a consultation with his trainer, he finally called it a day.

The 20-year-old - who has struggled with injuries in the past - looked distraught as he decided enough was enough, but at his tender age, there will be plenty more opportunities to show his worth.

His retirement at the US Open came just days after he broke into the world's top 50 thanks to his victory over Auger-Aliassime at Flushing Meadows.

Draper speaks to Karen Khachanov after retiring from their third round encounter (Getty Images)

Draper had begun the year as world No 265 but has quickly risen up the charts - joining fellow Brits Cam Norrie, Dan Evans and Andy Murray in the top 50.

After his milestone achievement, Draper described it as "mad", adding: "My target at the start of the year was two things: stay injury-free and try to break the top hundred. Obviously I'm going to be top 50.

"I'm obviously very proud of myself. It's a nice thing for all my hard work that I've put in on a daily basis with the people that care about me and support me. Hopefully onwards and upwards from here."

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