LONDON — British tennis fans were left heartbroken as home favorite Jack Draper suffered another early exit at Wimbledon, falling to former champion Marin Cilic in a grueling second-round match. The 22-year-old, who has been tipped as one of Britain’s brightest prospects, was unable to capitalize on his growing momentum, losing 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 to the experienced Croatian.
Draper, currently ranked British No. 1, had high hopes of making a deep run at this year’s Championships after a strong grass-court season. However, Cilic, a 2017 Wimbledon finalist and former US Open champion, proved too formidable, using his powerful serve and relentless baseline game to dismantle the young Brit’s challenge. The loss marks Draper’s third consecutive second-round exit at SW19, leaving his quest for a breakthrough performance unfulfilled.
A Tough Battle Against Experience
From the outset, Cilic’s dominance was evident. The 36-year-old, now ranked outside the top 100 after a series of injury setbacks, showcased the kind of form that once made him a Grand Slam champion. His serve, in particular, was a weapon Draper struggled to counter, with Cilic firing 18 aces and winning 82% of his first-serve points.
Draper, known for his aggressive left-handed game, fought valiantly but was often outmaneuvered by Cilic’s precision and court craft. "I knew it was going to be a tough match," Draper admitted afterward. "Marin’s a great player, and he brought his best today. I just couldn’t find my rhythm."
Missed Opportunities
Despite the straight-sets scoreline, Draper had his chances. In the third set, he held a 5-3 lead and was serving to force a fourth, only for Cilic to reel off four consecutive games and seal the match. The collapse highlighted Draper’s ongoing struggles with closing out big matches, a recurring theme in his young career.
Key moments that cost Draper included:
- Failing to convert any of his four break points in the second set
- Committing 32 unforced errors compared to Cilic’s 18
- Winning just 38% of points on his second serve
The Road Ahead
While the loss is undoubtedly disappointing, Draper remains optimistic about his future. "I’m still learning, still improving," he said. "Wimbledon is special, and I want to do well here, but I know my time will come."
His coach, James Trotman, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Draper’s potential. "Jack has all the tools to be a top player. It’s about gaining experience and handling these high-pressure moments better."
Fan Reactions
British fans, who had packed Court No. 1 in hopes of a Draper victory, were left disappointed but supportive. Social media was flooded with messages of encouragement, with many pointing to his recent rise in the rankings—from outside the top 100 at the start of 2024 to a career-high No. 28.
One fan tweeted: "Tough loss for Draper, but he’s got the game to win Slams. Just needs time!" Another added: "Cilic was a beast today. No shame in losing to a champion like that."
Conclusion
For now, Draper’s wait for a Wimbledon breakthrough continues. His next focus will be the North American hard-court swing, where he’ll aim to build on his recent successes. As for Cilic, the veteran moves into the third round, proving that age is just a number when you have the skill and determination of a champion.
Draper’s journey is far from over, and if he can harness the lessons from matches like this, his moment on the biggest stage may yet arrive. As he put it: "I’ll be back stronger. This is just part of the process."