In a recent CNN article, British tennis star Jack Draper’s recurring bouts of sickness during high-stakes matches were explored through the lens of physical and psychological stress. Draper, who vomited on court during his first-round match at the 2025 US Open, attributed the episode to a mix of gut issues and “nervous tension,” echoing similar experiences from previous tournaments. CNN’s coverage rightly highlights the complex interplay between physical health and mental resilience in elite sport. Draper’s openness about his anxiety and its physiological manifestations, particularly nausea, offers a valuable opportunity to discuss how psychological factors can directly impact performance.
Dr. Phil Hopley, Consultant Psychiatrist and Director at Cognacity, has long championed the importance of mental health in sport. His work with elite athletes underscores how anxiety, when unmanaged, can lead to tangible physical symptoms. “Athletes often experience performance anxiety that manifests somatically,” Dr. Hopley has noted in previous commentary. “Understanding and addressing these symptoms is key to sustaining high performance.”
At Cognacity, we see Draper’s case as emblematic of a broader challenge faced by many athletes: the pressure to perform at the highest level while managing the invisible weight of psychological stress. Draper’s commitment to “really look into” the mental side of his game is commendable and reflects a growing awareness in sport that mental fitness is as critical as physical conditioning.
This incident also reinforces the need for integrated support systems—where sports psychologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, and physiotherapists work collaboratively. Draper’s physical transformation and injury management show his dedication to holistic improvement. However, as the CNN article suggests, even peak physical fitness cannot fully shield athletes from the effects of unresolved anxiet
Cognacity continues to advocate for proactive mental health strategies in sport, including early intervention, resilience training, and destigmatising psychological support. Draper’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability and strength coexist, and that seeking help is a sign of elite professionalism, not weakness, We believe mental resilience is as vital as physical conditioning. Draper’s story is a reminder that prioritising mental wellbeing is not just personal, it’s professional.