PARIS — Britain's rising star Jack Draper was left to rue a "missed opportunity" after a straight-sets defeat to Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the fourth round of the French Open, ending his impressive run at Roland Garros.
The 22-year-old Draper, who had been in strong form throughout the tournament, was outplayed by the unpredictable yet brilliant Bublik, who secured a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory. The loss marked a sobering moment for Draper, who had been tipped as a potential dark horse for the latter stages of the competition.
A Reality Check for Draper
Draper, ranked 35th in the world, had been riding a wave of momentum after a breakthrough clay-court season, including a semifinal run in Lyon. However, Bublik, the world No. 62, delivered a masterclass in aggressive tennis, mixing powerful serves with audacious drop shots and forehand winners.
"It's frustrating," Draper admitted in his post-match press conference. "I felt like I had the game to go deeper, but Bublik was just too good today. He played with so much freedom and took risks that paid off. I didn’t adjust well enough."
Bublik's Stunning Performance
Bublik, known for his unorthodox style and occasional on-court theatrics, was in near-flawless form. He fired 12 aces, won 85% of his first-serve points, and broke Draper five times. His ability to switch between power and finesse kept the British left-hander guessing throughout the match.
Key moments that defined the match:
- Bublik’s early break in the first set set the tone, capitalizing on Draper’s slow start.
- A stunning between-the-legs lob in the second set left Draper stranded and the Parisian crowd in awe.
- Bublik’s relentless net-rushing in the third set dismantled Draper’s baseline game.
Draper’s Struggles
While Bublik shone, Draper struggled to find his rhythm. His usually reliable serve was inconsistent, landing only 58% of first serves, and his forehand—typically a weapon—was misfiring. The physical toll of his previous matches may have also played a role, as he appeared fatigued in the latter stages.
"I didn’t move as well as I needed to," Draper conceded. "Clay is brutal when you’re not at 100%, and Bublik exploited that. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger."
What’s Next for Draper?
Despite the disappointment, Draper’s French Open campaign was a positive step forward. His previous best at a Grand Slam was a second-round appearance, and his progress on clay—a surface he once struggled on—demonstrates his growing versatility.
Looking ahead, Draper will shift focus to the grass-court season, where he’s expected to be a major threat. His powerful lefty game is well-suited to faster surfaces, and he’ll be aiming for a deep run at Wimbledon.
Bublik’s Quarterfinal Berth
For Bublik, the victory marks his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 26-year-old, who has often been criticized for his inconsistency, delivered one of his most disciplined performances to date. He will now face either Casper Ruud or Tomas Martin Etcheverry for a place in the semifinals.
"I’ve always believed in my game," Bublik said post-match. "Today, everything clicked. I’m just enjoying myself out there, and when I do that, good things happen."
Conclusion: Lessons for Draper
While Draper’s Roland Garros journey ended sooner than he hoped, the experience will serve as a valuable lesson. His ability to compete at this level on clay bodes well for his future, and with his talent and work ethic, bigger opportunities are sure to come.
As for Bublik, his unpredictability makes him a dangerous opponent. If he maintains this level, he could be a genuine contender for the title—a prospect that would have seemed unlikely just weeks ago.
Draper’s final thoughts summed it up: "It’s a tough loss, but I’ll take the positives. This is just the beginning for me."