JACK DRAPER spewed up on his return to New York – but then left his rival feeling sick as a dog.
A 6-4 7-5 6-7 6-2 victory over debutant Federico Agustin Gomez ensured safe passage into round two for the No.5 seed in his first singles appearance since last month’s sorry Wimbledon exit.
Britain’s best hope of a tennis Slam puked up FOUR times when he was defeated by world No.1 Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals here 11 months ago.
Anxiety and tension from being in a high-stress situation was blamed at the time for the reason behind his repeated puking – though he later claimed pain-killing medication had given him a dodgy tummy.
Yet this time, on a hot afternoon in the Big Apple, the sickness bug returned, and he coughed up something pretty awful in game eight of the third set.
US Open rookie Gómez, 28, took advantage of that physical issue to win that set in a tie-break but for the Argentine, who hit 50 winners across four sets, it was short-lived joy.
The Sutton star, wearing a left arm protective sleeve, ensured the tie did not go to a decider as he advanced with more than three hours on the clock.
His new sleeveless top, which has been designed by his new sponsors, was dripping with sweat – it showed the perspiration he produced to get a first win on the board at this year’s tournament.
The 23-year-old had been absent from the ATP Tour for eight weeks after he lost to Croatian Marin Cilic on SW19 grass because he needed to rest a sore left arm that had a “bone stress”.
Draper said: “Unbelievable to be able out here in New York, playing at the Louis Armstrong.
“I wasn’t too sure if I was going to make it here this year.
“We did a great job with the team since Wimbledon to get myself back on court. It wasn’t my finest performance.
“Credit to my opponent, he played some outstanding tennis.
“I look forward to improving and getting better as the tournament carries on.
“I’m not putting too much expectation on myself. I feel like I have put in the work.
“I know that if I can get that level back, I am going to be really tough to beat.
“There are so many amazing players in this draw.
“The main thing is I am so happy to be able to compete in front of you guys in New York.”
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