- Jack Draper says being sick on court during semi-final was ‘worst feeling ever’
- Draper claimed it’s ‘only a matter of time’ before he enjoys Grand Slam glory
Jack Draper admitted being ill on court during his US Open semi-final defeat was “the worst feeling ever”.
British star Draper vomited three times during the second set of his loss to world number 1 Jannik Sinner in New York.
Draper was defeated 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 6-2, his misery compounded by the fact that he was feeling unwell.
As reported by BBC SportDraper said: ‘When you’re playing long games you need to be able to drink well and give your body the nutrients it needs to keep going.
‘But when you feel sick, of course you can’t put anything into your body and that’s the worst feeling you’ve ever had.
Jack Draper says being ill during his US Open semi-final defeat was ‘the worst feeling ever’
Draper suffered a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 defeat to world number one Jannik Sinner
“You can’t move around the field when that happens. It’s a horrible feeling.”
Despite the defeat, Draper is optimistic about his future.
The 22-year-old said he is confident it is “only a matter of time” before he achieves Grand Slam success.
Draper said, “I think I just have to keep learning, keep growing, keep running into situations like today and keep figuring out how I can do it differently next time.
“I think, honestly, it’s just a matter of time.
“It’s about experiences, doing the right things, training consistently and over time you get better and stronger.”
The British No. 1, who will secure a spot in the world’s top 20, congratulated Sinner via social media and thanked his fans for their support.
“I gave it my all yesterday, but it wasn’t enough,” Draper wrote. “Congratulations to a good friend Jannik Sinner for everything you have achieved and good luck in the final!
“For me I have to keep improving and moving forward. Thank you everyone for all the support I’ve received. It means so much to me.”
Draper took to social media to thank fans for their support and congratulate Sinner
Despite his defeat to Sinner, Draper believes Grand Slam success is not far away
Draper defeated Zhang Zhizhen, Facundo Diaz Acosta, Botic van de Zandschulp, Tomas Machac and Alex De Minaur to reach the semi-finals, without losing a single set.
He also became the first British male player to reach the semi-finals of the US Open since Andy Murray in 2012.
Sinner will face American Taylor Fritz in the final of the tournament.