Former British number one Jack Draper has withdrawn on the eve of another tournament because of the long-term arm injury which continues to cause him discomfort.
Left-handed Draper, 24, has pulled out of the ATP Tour event in Washington, which was set to be his first appearance since ruling himself out of Wimbledon last month.
Draper has been hampered by bone bruising in his serving arm for more than a year, but said at the weekend, external he was “feeling physically good” before the Mubadala DC Open.
He looked strong in practice sessions under the guidance of new coach Andy Murray, but withdrew from the ATP 500 event on Monday after feeling more soreness in the problematic arm.
It is another frustrating setback for Draper and a similar scenario to the All England Club, where he talked positively about his fitness before withdrawing just 24 hours before his first-round match.
“These last months have felt like nothing but adversity and setbacks,” Draper wrote on Instagram shortly after his withdrawal was announced.
“Most days I’ve spent in doubt, yet hopeful that I can keep taking positive steps forward and finding ways to progress.
“Being patient with the process has been my biggest challenge, but I know I’m getting closer to where I want to be.”
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