"I had to control my serve a bit to make sure I didn't suffer too much," admits Draper after his first-round victory at the US Open

Dealing with a left arm injury, Jack Draper arrives at the US Open under pressure but lacking match rhythm. A semifinalist in New York last year, the world No. 5 Brit did not play the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters 1000 events but is making his return at the American Grand Slam.

In his opening match at Flushing Meadows this year, he defeated Federico Agustin Gomez in four sets (6-4, 7-5, 6-7, 6-2). Before facing Zizou Bergs in the next round, Draper reflected on how he felt after nearly two months away from competition.

"I hadn't played an official match in a while. From my perspective, it wasn't my best performance. I'll give myself another chance on Thursday. I'm very proud to still be here.

I had to control my serve a bit to make sure I didn't suffer too much. At the same time, I felt like my accuracy improved slightly at times. I got used to slowing down a bit. I needed some tennis in my legs.

I needed to play a three-hour match. I was almost a little happy when I lost the third set because my level wasn't at its best. Then, toward the end of the fourth set, I felt I was starting to improve.

It was nice to have some tennis in my legs, and of course, in Grand Slam tournaments, you have more time to get going. There are days when you're very motivated because you think you're on the right track, and then there are days when you hit obstacles.

We are confident that I won't aggravate my arm injury and that I am able to compete. It won't set me back, so that's very positive. I feel like I'm continuing to improve and getting back to 100%. It's just that I don't always have to give my maximum.

Nothing is stopping me from playing more and more tournaments as I progress. Of course, we'll take things day by day and see how it goes, but at the same time, I intend to play a full schedule until the end of the year," Draper assured Tennis World Italia.