The Alarming Truth: 5 Ways Jack Draper’s Anxiety Derailed His US Open Dream

The image of an elite athlete pushing their body to the absolute limit is a familiar one. We expect sweat, fatigue, and grimaces of pain. But what we don’t expect to see is a player hunched over, vomiting from the sheer pressure of competition. For Britain’s rising tennis star, Jack Draper, this distressing scene has become a recurring and public nightmare. His recent withdrawal from the US Open due to injury masks a deeper, more persistent battle—one fought not just with opponents, but with his own mind and body. This is the story of nervous tension manifesting in its most physically raw form.

Nervous Tension: The Physical Toll of Pressure

The provided text describes a brutal pattern. During important matches, Draper is overcome by vomiting episodes. Jack Draper has been forced to retreat off-court mid-service game, a clear sign that the issue is debilitating and impossible to ignore. These are not isolated incidents; they are a documented part of his young career. While initially, some might have blamed fitness or heat, it’s now clear these episodes are intricately “linked” to high-pressure moments in matches. The tension doesn’t just affect his focus; it violently disrupts his entire physical state.

Beyond Fitness: Debunking the Physical Myth

At 23 years old, Jack Draper is in the prime of his athletic life. In recent years, he has undergone a significant physical transformation. He has dedicated countless hours in the gym to build a powerful physique, specifically to compete with the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. His tight-fitting shirt now reveals the biceps of an athlete who has left no stone unturned in his physical preparation. Yet, the illness persists. This proves a critical point: his fitness is no longer the primary issue. The problem exists in a realm that weights and cardio cannot fix.

Jack Draper Deciphering the ‘Gut-Brain Connection’

So, what is the cause? Draper himself has provided the most crucial insight. After a semifinal loss last year, he confessed, “Obviously I’m someone who I think is quite an anxious human being.” He directly connected this anxiety to his physical symptoms, stating, “I think when you combine all that, a lot of the time I do feel a bit nauseous on court and sick during the tougher moments of the match.” This is a classic description of the gut-brain connection, a well-documented biological link where emotional and psychological stress directly impacts gastrointestinal function. Psychiatrist Dr. Phil Hopley, an expert in elite sport, confirms this, noting he is not shocked by Draper’s reaction. He explains that under extreme pressure, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. For most, this provides a performance edge. For Draper, this stress profile tragically targets his stomach.

The Mental Battle: A Lifelong Pursuit of Balance

Jack Draper self-awareness is his greatest weapon in this fight. He recognizes that this is not a quick fix but a lifelong journey of management. He has openly discussed studying the mental aspects of his game and seeking ways to evolve. He acknowledges the paradox of his own drive, saying, “I think I’ve got quite a strong mentality and I burn a lot of mental energy a lot of the time, especially for something I want a lot of.” This burning desire, this immense mental energy, is both his greatest strength and, currently, his most glaring weakness. It fuels his ambition but also feeds the anxiety that can cripple his performance. His work now involves learning to channel that energy without letting it overwhelm him.

Jack Draper A Path Forward: Professional Help and Reframing Pressure

The solution, as outlined by experts like Dr. Hopley, involves a thoughtful and professional approach. Seeing a sports psychologist is not a sign of weakness but a standard and crucial step for any athlete facing such challenges. The goal is to “reduce that level of perceived pressure” and make the high-stakes environment of a Grand Slam feel more routine. This involves cognitive techniques to reframe thoughts, breathing exercises to manage acute stress, and strategies to break down the overwhelming concept of a “big match” into smaller, manageable points. Dr. Hopley praised Draper’s mental fortitude for even being able to talk about it, which is a positive first step toward destigmatizing and tackling the issue head-on.

Conclusion: Strength in Vulnerability

Jack Draper’s story is a powerful reminder that athletes are not just physical specimens; they are complex human beings navigating immense psychological pressure. His vomiting episodes are a visible, alarming symptom of a hidden battle with anxiety that many athletes face in silence. By speaking openly about his struggles, Draper demonstrates a different kind of strength—one of vulnerability and self-awareness. His path to becoming a consistent contender at the top of men’s tennis now depends as much on his work with a psychologist as it does with his coach. His journey is a testament to the fact that in modern sports, the most important victories often happen off the court, in the quiet pursuit of mental peace.

Reference Website:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/27/sport/tennis-us-open-jack-draper-sickness-intl