Draper Beaten by Brilliant Bublik as British Hopes Fade at French Open
Bublik turns on the style to dump Draper out in dramatic four-set showdown
Jack Draper arrived in Paris with the weight of expectation on his young shoulders. After a breakout season and steady rise up the rankings, many believed the 22-year-old was poised to make a serious run at Roland Garros. But on a warm Monday afternoon, under the shadows of Court Suzanne-Lenglen, that narrative was spectacularly upended by one of tennis’ great showmen.
Alexander Bublik, the world number 62 and one of the most unpredictable players on the tour, played inspired tennis to defeat Draper 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, ending British hopes in the French Open singles and delivering a sharp reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the unforgiving world of Grand Slam tennis.
A Quick Start, Then a Storm
Things began brightly enough for Draper. He took the opening set 7-5 with the kind of measured aggression and tactical discipline that’s become his calling card on clay. His lefty forehand was clicking, the serve was solid, and he looked every bit the fifth seed and rising star of the men’s game.
But Bublik is not a man to be boxed into expectations. With his usual flair—equal parts genius and audacity—the Kazakh turned the tide in a blistering second set. From that moment on, it was his match to lose.
What followed was a dazzling exhibition of variety, touch, and fearless creativity. Drop shots floated like feathers, lobs kissed the baseline, and even his trademark underarm serve made an appearance, catching Draper flat-footed. It wasn’t just unconventional—it was devastatingly effective.
“I had one shot today,” Bublik said afterwards. “Sometimes in life, there’s only one chance—and I think today, it was mine. I couldn’t let it slip. This is the best moment of my life.”
Draper Falters as Bublik Rises
While Draper never gave up the fight, the spark that had carried him through the early rounds seemed to flicker and fade. His footwork grew heavy, his shot selection less precise. Whether it was the pressure of expectation, fatigue from a busy clay swing, or simply Bublik’s brilliance, the momentum had swung, and he couldn’t wrest it back.
By the third set, the Briton was visibly frustrated. He dropped serve early and never recovered, while Bublik—who has often frustrated fans and pundits alike with his inconsistency—was dialled in, landing first serves with precision and painting the lines with backhand winners.
The fourth set saw Draper rally once more. He had five break points late in the set and looked poised to take the match to a fifth. But Bublik, showing unexpected grit to go with his flair, saved them all. Then, on his second match point, he sealed the deal with a classic flourish: a drop shot that died just beyond the net, leaving Draper scrambling in vain.
The Rise (and Stumble) of Draper
For Draper, this is a setback—but not a disaster. It was only a year ago that he exited in the first round at Roland Garros. Now, he’s a top-five seed and Britain’s highest-ranked male player. That kind of progress doesn’t vanish with one off-day.
Still, this will sting. A projected quarter-final clash with world number one Jannik Sinner—who plays later today—was already being talked about in the press room. Draper had the draw, the form, and the game to go deep. But Grand Slams are not won on paper, and Bublik ensured this one will be remembered not for what could’ve been, but for what actually happened.
It’s also Draper’s worst loss by ranking since that first-round exit here last year. That in itself speaks to the strides he’s made—but also the expectations he now carries.
British Woes Continue in Paris
Draper’s loss capped a dismal day for British tennis. Just an hour earlier, Cameron Norrie—the British number three—was soundly beaten in straight sets by Novak Djokovic. While Norrie was always going to be the underdog against the 24-time Grand Slam champion, his inability to make it a contest was disappointing.
That leaves no British players left in the French Open singles draws—men’s or women’s—heading into the second week. It’s a harsh reality for a nation that had hopes, if not expectations, of a deeper run in Paris.
Bublik’s Moment of Magic
As for Bublik, this was a reminder of the talent that’s long been buried under layers of volatility. The 26-year-old has often struggled for consistency, even publicly expressing his disdain for the sport on occasion. But when he’s on—and he certainly was today—he can take down anyone.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
He now advances to his first French Open quarter-final and could be set for a blockbuster showdown with Sinner, should the Italian top seed progress. On this evidence, Bublik won’t fear anyone.
“I’m just enjoying the ride,” he said with a grin, speaking to press with the relaxed charisma that’s made him a fan favourite. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll hate tennis again. But today, I love it.”
What Next for Draper?
For Draper, the summer season moves to grass, where expectations will again be high—especially at Wimbledon. His game is well-suited to the slicker surfaces, and his maturity has grown with every match this season.
This loss, while painful, might be exactly the kind of learning experience that fuels the next phase of his career. The French Open dream may be over for 2025—but Draper’s long-term story is far from written.
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