Although he did have to retire in his fourth-round match against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, it was not seen as a major concern.
A hip injury had disrupted his pre-season work and meant the lack of time on the court had simply caught up with him.
Draper played a lot in the months which followed, winning the biggest title of his career at Indian Wells before strong runs in the clay and grass swings.
The surprise second-round defeat by Croat veteran Marin Cilic at Wimbledon provided a reality check – and the catalyst for a spell off tour.
With an arm injury continuing to bother him, Draper pulled out of ATP 1,000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati.
But the bruised humerus did not stop him training – and staying home meant he was able to see his favourite band Oasis at Wembley.
Now, having arrived in New York over a week ago, it is back to business as he tries to stop Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz cleaning up the major titles for the second straight season.
“I don’t want to feel like we’re just letting them do it,” fifth seed Draper said.
“I want to keep on going after them, keep on improving, and hopefully soon be competing with them.”
