Cheat labels, sleepless nights and redemption aim for Jack Draper ahead of US Open

Jack Draper will play the US Open which begins on Monday (August 26). But he heads into Flushing Meadows after an ordeal which saw the Brit labeled as a cheat after controversy at the Cincinnati Open.

Draper defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 only to lose to Holger Rune in the Quarter-Finals in Cincinnati. In a close fought three setter, Draper brought up match point. He rushed to the net on the Canadian's return that reached him on the volley at what was an awkward height. He mistakenly he hit the ball into the ground which kissed the net and dropped inside the Canadian's side of the court.

He then looked at the chair-umpire who ruled the shot was fair. As Auger-Aliassime blew his top, Draper was declared the winner with the Brit facing questions about integrity after not handing the point back. He said he had sleepless nights about the ordeal.

"I was thinking about it four days non-stop. I was really upset by it – like I said, it’s something I really think is more important than anything, it’s respect, it’s honesty, it’s fair play and all this sort of stuff," said Draper.

"I’ve done it on the tour before where I’ve maybe given a second serve because there’s been a loud noise or something. And I always play by those things. But honestly, in that moment, I couldn’t do anything because I didn’t know – that was the honest truth of it," Draper added.

"I think anyone would be lying if they’re saying they’re not hurt by seeing a lot of comments saying you’re a cheat, you’re a liar. And that I would have done this, and I would have done that."

"It’s hard in that situation to know what to do and also it’s good because it’s my first experience of having negativity and having criticism, and that’s all part of being a top athlete."