Prior to this year, Jack Draper had never secured a victory at the French Open.
French Open 2025
Dates: May 25 – June 8 Venue: Roland Garros
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Britain’s Jack Draper describes his surprising defeat to world number 62 Alexander Bublik as a “missed opportunity” to advance to the French Open quarterfinals.
The 23-year-old faced a reality check as Bublik, the second-lowest ranked player remaining, secured a remarkable 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory.
World number five Draper faltered as the unpredictable Kazakh delivered one of the finest performances of his career.
“It’s a very difficult loss to accept,” Draper commented, acknowledging his prior lack of French Open wins. “Despite my rapid rise and high ranking, it’s been a steep learning curve. I had a chance today, and I let it slip.”
The British number one was widely anticipated to continue his ascent on clay, potentially setting up a quarterfinal clash against top seed Jannik Sinner, who later won his last-16 match against Andrey Rublev.
However, Bublik unleashed a spectacular array of shots, employing the drop shot to devastating effect, en route to a superb win.
This marks Draper’s worst defeat by ranking since his first-round exit at Roland Garros last year.
A tense finish saw 27-year-old Bublik squander one match point and save five break points before ultimately securing the win.
“Sometimes in life, there’s only one chance, and I think today was mine,” Bublik, a former world number 17, said. “I couldn’t let it slip. This is the best moment of my life.”
Draper’s loss concluded British singles interest after Cameron Norrie’s defeat by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
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Draper’s surprising last-16 exit at Roland Garros highlights his significant progress over the past year.
Twelve months ago in Paris, the Englishman suffered a disheartening first-round defeat to the 176th-ranked Jesper de Jong, while still refining his playing style.
Recognizing his overly aggressive approach, Draper sought a more balanced game.
Winning his first ATP title shortly afterward boosted his confidence, leading to a run to the US Open semifinals.
Improved fitness has also been pivotal.
After winning his biggest career title at the Indian Wells hard courts in March, he effectively transitioned his potent serve and forehand to clay.
Reaching the Madrid Open final demonstrated his clay-court capabilities. He played maturely in his first three Paris matches before Bublik disrupted his rhythm.
“I struggle to put things in perspective, but I’m proud of my efforts on clay. I’ve truly improved,” Draper stated.
“This year, I’m leaving as world number five, having reached the fourth round, consistently playing high-level tennis.
“I always use setbacks to better myself.”
While Bublik’s talent is undeniable, questions remain about his consistency.
The opening set was closely contested, with neither player creating a break point until Draper applied pressure in the 10th game.
Bublik faltered, a double fault gifting Draper the opportunity to serve out the set, which he successfully did.
However, Draper was punished for a drop in level in the second set, as Bublik rallied from an early break to level the match.
Bublik’s increasingly effective drop shots allowed him to establish a double-break lead in the third set, leaving Draper seemingly perplexed in his search for a solution.
Having successfully used the drop shot himself in his previous match against Joao Fonseca, Draper found himself outmaneuvered, with Bublik attempting 37 drop shots, resulting in 12 winners.
A bathroom break before the fourth set failed to provide a solution, as Draper lost his serve in the opening game and couldn’t recover despite a late rally.
“I don’t play many matches where I feel like things are out of my control,” Draper added. “Top players make you feel uncomfortable, and he did that today.”
Bublik will now face world number one Sinner, who defeated Rublev 6-1, 6-3, 6-4.