“Jack Draper Vomits on Court in US Open Semi-final match against Sinner

Jack Draper, the No. 25 seed at the 2024 US Open, faced a tough battle not only against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals but also against his own body, as illness and vomiting marred what was the most significant match of his career so far.

Reflecting on his experience, Draper described it as “the worst feeling ever,” explaining how difficult it was to perform on the court while his body was struggling. “You can’t move around the court when that happens,” he said, sharing the toll the illness took on him during the match.

Playing on the renowned Arthur Ashe Stadium, Draper found himself overwhelmed by the humid conditions. He was drenched in sweat and became physically sick multiple times, prompting him to call for a medical timeout in the second set.

Draper mentioned that his symptoms began towards the end of the first set, attributing the challenge to the intensity of playing against top-tier talent like Sinner. “I think it was obviously a very physical match,” he said. “That’s why Jannik is the No. 1 player in the world. The intensity is different when you face the best. It’s a step up.”

While Draper typically feels relaxed on court, the gravity of the occasion brought out a mix of excitement and nerves. “I’m definitely someone who is quite anxious. When all that comes together, I sometimes feel nausea on court, especially when it gets tough.”

Though he had no health issues before the match, Draper explained that the symptoms gradually built up. The physical toll of long matches can make it difficult to stay hydrated and nourished, but when you’re sick, the situation becomes even more challenging. “You can’t put anything inside your body because it just comes straight out.”

Draper, who hadn’t dropped a set in his first five matches, began to struggle in the third set after losing two close ones to Sinner. He dropped serve twice, allowing his former junior rival and reigning Australian Open champion to secure his place in the US Open final.

“You don’t feel better,” Draper said, reflecting on his condition during the match. “You just feel worse because you can’t fuel your body properly. When you’re playing long matches, you need to drink and eat to keep going, but when you’re feeling sick, you can’t do that.”

Draper’s illness left him feeling dizzy and increasingly unwell as the match progressed, a “horrible feeling” that ultimately contributed to his defeat.