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Draper’s injury problems deepen after Cincinnati loss to Landaluce
Draper fell in Cincinnati, and fresh doubts now hang over his season and US Open plans.
Jack Draper’s difficult run with injury concerns continued in Cincinnati, where he was beaten in the opening round by Spain’s Martin Landaluce and left with fresh uncertainty over what comes next for the former British No 1.
Draper has spent much of the past year dealing with a bone bruising problem that he has not been able to fully overcome. The issue resurfaced in painful fashion last week, when he broke down in tears after his first-round defeat in Montreal, an emotional scene that fuelled speculation that his 2026 season might already be in jeopardy.
Even so, Draper turned up in Cincinnati and tried again to manage the problem. For a while, there were signs that he might still be able to compete. After a cautious opening, he found a better rhythm and moved into a commanding position in the second set, eventually coming within a single point of forcing a deciding set.
But the result told only part of the story. Draper’s arm issue remained a clear obstacle throughout a 6-3, 7-5 defeat, and he cut a frustrated, downcast figure well before the match was over. The sense of concern around his condition only grew as the match wore on.
Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski offered a stark assessment on his podcast, questioning whether there is a realistic solution to the problem. “This is really, really concerning and serious,” said Rusedski.
He went on to say: “No matter how great a player you are in the men’s game, if you cannot get that serve in play to get the first strike on your serve, it’s very difficult. Because you look at the ground strokes, you look at the returns, you look at the movement, you look at his hands, it’s all there. Everything’s there. But you put one hand behind the back if you’re not able to serve properly. And for me that’s the problem.
“It looks like he’s going to have to have a long period away of rest. I’m sure he’s tried the injections to get the inflammation down on multiple occasions, maybe on too many occasions, who knows? The only one who knows is him and his team around him. So for me, it looks like the solution is possibly another long break away, finding a way to heal.
“He’s tried the racket, he’s tried the strings, he’s tried so many things. I mean, I feel for him. I don’t know what to say to the guy.
“I just feel really, really bad, because the potential, the talent is there. Who knows what the reason is behind it, but he’s trying to find a solution. You know, from what I’m seeing over the past year, I don’t know how he gets there. And to me, that is very worrying.”
Draper is scheduled to play mixed doubles at the US Open with Jessica Pegula, in an event set for the week before the singles begins later this month, but his participation is now in major doubt.
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Zverev Arrives at Laver Cup With Europe’s Title Bid in Focus
Zverev arrives at the Laver Cup with Team Europe aiming to reclaim the trophy in London.
Alexander Zverev has already reached the Laver Cup as he continues a packed 2026 season, and his attention has quickly shifted to Team Europe’s attempt to reclaim the trophy.
The German has been a constant presence on the men’s tour this year, a run that has helped him take advantage of injuries to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. That consistency has also carried him to the biggest results of his career, with Zverev winning Roland Garros and the US Open to claim his first two Grand Slam titles. He is now close to Sinner’s world No 1 ranking.
For the moment, though, the Laver Cup is the immediate target. Team Europe were beaten by Team World at the 2025 event in San Francisco, and Zverev is determined to help put things right.
He has long been one of the event’s most familiar figures, and he explained why the format continues to appeal to him while practicing at the tournament.
Speaking during his practice sessions at the tournament, Zverev said: “I love the competition. I’ve been part of all the European teams that have won the Laver Cup.
“Of course, we want to bring the Laver Cup back to Europe and try to win it. I think we have the best players in the world here. It’s special to be on a team with them and to build a strong team. We will do everything to win this weekend.”
His record at the event helps explain that attachment. Since the Laver Cup began in 2017, Zverev has made seven appearances, more than any other player. He has won the competition five times, more than anyone else, and also owns the most singles wins, the most singles points and the most points overall.
Zverev’s career Laver Cup record stands at 9-7, a 56% winning rate. Over the years, he has shared the team environment with players such as Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz, and has beaten Frances Tiafoe and Milos Raonic in singles.
This year, he will line up alongside Alcaraz, Rafael Jodar, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli under Yannick Noah and Tim Henman. Their opponents will be Team World, coached by Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter, with Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik, and Francisco Cerundolo in the squad.
The tournament is scheduled for The O2 Arena in London from September 25th to 27th, with singles and doubles matches spread across the weekend.
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Zverev’s breakthrough season rewrites a long-running story
Zverev’s breakthrough year has changed the narrative after Noah recalled his doubts and frustration.
Alexander Zverev has finally put an end to years of frustration by winning two Grand Slam titles in 2026, a development that left Yannick Noah reflecting on how uncertain the German once felt about ever getting there.
Zverev first lifted a major trophy at the French Open in June, then reinforced that achievement by beating Ben Shelton in the US Open final earlier this month. After so many seasons of falling short against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, it had sometimes appeared that the next wave of champions, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, would keep the door closed as well.
Noah, who captained Team Europe at last year’s Laver Cup in San Francisco, said Zverev was not in a strong place mentally at the time. The German went on to lose the event’s decisive match to Taylor Fritz, and Noah suggested confidence was part of the issue.
“This guy tried so hard, kept coming back, you know, he’s coming up against Nadal, then he’s coming up against Djokovic and then he’s coming again and it’s Roger,” began Noah, speaking on an episode of the Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast that will be released on Thursday.
“Then it’s Alcaraz and it’s Sinner, but he kept coming back and suddenly it’s paid off. I was really happy when he won the French Open and then so happy to see his face when he won the US Open. He was like a little child and he didn’t even know he had won at the end.”
Noah expanded on the mood he sensed during that Laver Cup campaign, describing a player who was battling frustration but never stopped pushing.
“Last year he was not in a good place because I could tell that he was getting a little frustrated,” stated the 1983 French Open champion.
“He was tired of trying too hard. But he just kept trying. I think he showed so much resilience over the ten years. He has been No 2, No 3 and he always kept trying. As a player, this is something that you have and as a coach, as a parent. You always say, keep trying, never give up, never give up. But sometimes it’s very hard.
“And it was very hard on Sascha. I got some quality time with him when I say, you know, keep trying, your time will come. But you’re not sure. You hope. You’re trying to be positive about this. You’re trying to be optimistic, but you don’t know.
“And then all of a sudden you when I see him win, when I saw him win the French, I was happy for him because he deserved it. He’s worked so hard for these moments.”
Zverev and Alcaraz now sit at the centre of Noah’s Team Europe plans for the Laver Cup in London, which begins on Friday as they aim to respond to last year’s loss to Team World.
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Alcaraz relishes London return and hails Zverev ahead of Laver Cup
Alcaraz returns to London at Laver Cup and praises Zverev as he continues his comeback.
Carlos Alcaraz has said he is ready to make up for lost time as he prepares for his first matches in London in 2026 at the Laver Cup this week, while also offering a striking verdict on one of his European team-mates.
The Spaniard was forced to sit out the grass-court swing in England, missing planned appearances at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon after suffering a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April. He returned at the US Open last month, a comeback that many viewed as a surprise, and produced five strong performances before falling in an epic quarter-final to Ben Shelton.
His next stop is Team Europe at the Laver Cup, where he will line up alongside newly crowned US Open champion Alexander Zverev. Zverev had previously praised Alcaraz as ‘amazing’ after they played together in an earlier edition of the event, but this time it was Alcaraz who returned the compliment.
“I agree that he is probably the best player in the world right now,” Alcaraz said of Zverev.
“Having him by my side and on our team, it’s going to be a great weapon to have and we are going to use it.
“I missed lifting the (Laver Cup) trophy last year, so I’m going to do whatever it takes this year.
“The US Open was a great test for me and I can’t wait to play here.”
Alcaraz was beaten by Team World’s Taylor Fritz in last year’s Laver Cup and has made clear that he wants to put that right if they meet again in London.
“He destroyed me last year,” added Alcaraz with a smile. “If I play against him, I will be down with it and I will be ready, for sure.
“It’s great to be back in London. I missed it this year, so it’s going to be the first time I am touching London this year, so I’m excited.
“It’s my first time playing at the 02 Arena and it feels great to be here. It’s a super beautiful stadium and I can’t wait to see it packed and hear the atmosphere from the people.”
Although Alcaraz has faced criticism for playing too many exhibition events, this year’s Laver Cup offers him a useful setting to continue his comeback after the wrist problem. The best-of-three format, with no ranking points on offer, should suit his return while the event also brings a significant appearance fee.
The competition begins on Friday and finishes with the final session at the 02 Arena on Sunday.
Zverev Arrives at Laver Cup With Europe’s Title Bid in Focus
Alex Eala opens Singapore challenge against Prozorova as ranking gains loom
Zverev’s breakthrough season rewrites a long-running story
Raducanu Arrives at US Open With Momentum After Strong Hard‑Court Swing
Alcaraz Confronts On‑court Microphones During US Open Practice Ahead of Opelka Match
