Jack Draper’s hopes of competing at the US Open remain uncertain following a first-round loss at the Montreal Masters on Tuesday, where ongoing injury issues appeared to take a significant toll on the British player.

Draper, 24, who has struggled with a persistent arm injury for over a year, fell to Térence Atmane 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 after a match marked by physical distress and emotional strain. The defeat came after Draper had recently been declared fit to return to competition, but his performance suggested the elbow problem continues to hinder his game. Throughout the deciding set, Draper’s serve speed declined noticeably, and he increasingly relied on drop shots, indicating discomfort.

This match was Draper’s first on the ATP Tour since June, when he reached the semi-finals at Eastbourne, having played only 14 matches this season. Earlier in the year, Draper was forced to withdraw from the French Open after aggravating a knee tendon injury, which was reportedly linked to a change in his service motion designed to reduce strain on his arm.

Once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world last June, Draper has since fallen to No. 143, meaning he will need to progress through qualifying rounds or secure a wild card to compete in the US Open. However, his fitness to participate remains a serious question.

Against Atmane, ranked No. 46, Draper showed some positive early signs without the use of a compression sleeve on his left arm. He executed heavy top-spin forehands and effective drop shots, displaying aggression at the net. Draper secured the second set convincingly with just one unforced error but was unable to maintain momentum in the final set. An early break in the decider tilted the match in Atmane’s favor, and Draper’s movement and shot selection deteriorated as his physical issues became more apparent.

Following the loss of a second break, Draper visibly struggled emotionally, breaking into tears during the changeovers. Despite this, he managed to finish the match, though the emotional and physical burden of ongoing setbacks was clear.

Draper’s coaching arrangement with Andy Murray, initially expected to conclude after the grass-court season, is set to continue for the time being. Murray had not accompanied Draper to Montreal, having traveled with him to Washington last week before Draper’s early withdrawal there due to injury.

The future remains uncertain for Draper as he seeks to regain full health and form, with the immediate focus on whether he can compete in the closing Grand Slam of the season.