The recurring on-court vomiting episodes of British tennis star Jack Draper have become a concerning and highly visible aspect of his professional career. This unsettling phenomenon, which we can call Draper’s On-Court Nausea, has occurred during crucial matches, most notably at the US Open in both 2024 and 2025. Draper attributes these incidents to a complex interplay of nervous tension, psychological stress, and pre-existing gut issues, creating a significant challenge for the young athlete as he navigates the pressures of elite tennis.
The Vomiting Incidents
The incidents involving Draper have been dramatic and disruptive. During the 2024 US Open semifinal against Jannik Sinner on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Draper vomited multiple times, visibly impacting his performance. A similar event unfolded during his first-round match at the 2025 US Open against Federico Agustín Gómez, where he again experienced on-court sickness. He also faced a comparable episode at the Australian Open earlier in 2024. These occurrences have not only affected Draper but have also involved his opponents, medical staff, and umpires, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Draper’s Explanation: Mind and Body
The 23-year-old Draper has been remarkably open about the potential causes behind these episodes. He readily admits to being “quite an anxious human being,” acknowledging that “nervous tension” significantly contributes to his nausea and sickness, especially during the high-stakes environment of top-level matches. In his own words, the psychological pressure of competing in a Grand Slam plays a major role. He has also mentioned that he has suffered from “problems with my gut over time”, suggesting a possible underlying physical vulnerability. While factors like physical exertion, heat, and humidity might exacerbate the issue, Draper emphasizes the primary role of psychological stress.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Dr. Phil Hopley, a psychiatrist specializing in elite sport, supports Draper’s assessment, emphasizing the well-established “gut-brain” link. This connection highlights how anxiety and stress can manifest physically in athletes, leading to gastrointestinal distress. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system linking emotional and cognitive centers in the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. This explains why psychological stress can directly impact gut motility, secretion, and even the gut microbiome, potentially triggering nausea and vomiting in susceptible individuals like Draper. The intensity of professional sports, combined with individual vulnerabilities, can create a perfect storm for such physical manifestations of anxiety.
The Impact and Challenges of Draper’s On-Court Nausea
The impact of these recurring episodes has been substantial. Draper has been visibly distressed on court, often requiring medical attention. In some instances, he has even had to clean up his own vomit during a match, a humbling and disruptive experience. Despite his dedicated efforts to manage these issues and improve his physical conditioning, the problem persists, underscoring the complexity of the underlying causes. The combination of physical and psychological factors makes it a difficult challenge to overcome.
Withdrawal and Setbacks
Adding to Draper’s challenges, he was forced to withdraw from the 2025 US Open before his second-round match due to an arm injury. While a separate issue from his stomach troubles, the injury further disrupted his season and prevented him from fully addressing the on-court sickness in Queens. The combination of recurring health issues has undoubtedly taken a toll on Draper’s performance and mental well-being.
Moving Forward: Management and Understanding
Despite the setbacks, Draper remains committed to better understanding and managing his condition. Addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of the problem will be crucial. This might involve working with sports psychologists to develop coping mechanisms for managing anxiety and stress, as well as consulting with gastroenterologists to address any underlying gut issues. A holistic approach that considers the interplay of mind and body will be essential for Draper to overcome this challenge and reach his full potential on the court. He needs to implement a multi-faceted strategy that includes mental resilience training, dietary adjustments, and close monitoring of his physical and emotional state before and during matches.
Jack Draper’s struggles with on-court vomiting highlight the significant impact of psychological stress on athletic performance. His openness about the issue, coupled with the insights from experts like Dr. Phil Hopley, underscores the importance of addressing both the mental and physical aspects of an athlete’s well-being. As Draper continues to navigate these challenges, a comprehensive and individualized approach will be key to his success. His commitment to understanding and managing his condition offers hope for a future where he can compete without the added burden of these unsettling episodes.
