Jack Draper, Britain’s rising tennis star, faced a heartbreaking exit at the 2025 French Open, falling to Alexander Bublik in a stunning fourth-round match at Roland Garros. The 23-year-old, ranked world number five, entered the tournament with high hopes, having never won a match at the clay-court Grand Slam before this year. His impressive run, which included victories over tough opponents like Gael Monfils and Joao Fonseca, showcased his growing prowess on clay. However, Bublik’s unpredictable brilliance dashed Draper’s dreams of reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about what this loss means for his future.
Jack Draper’s Breakthrough at Roland Garros
Draper’s 2025 French Open campaign marked a turning point in his career. After two disappointing appearances at Roland Garros—retiring in his 2023 debut and losing in the first round in 2024—he returned as a transformed player. His first-round win against Italy’s Mattia Bellucci (3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2) showed his newfound patience in five-set matches. The second round brought a thrilling four-set victory over French favorite Gael Monfils (6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5), with Draper battling a lively crowd and Monfils’ flair. His third-round demolition of 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca (6-2, 6-4, 6-2) further cemented his status as a contender, displaying a lethal forehand and dominant serve.
- Key Stats from Draper’s Run:
- First Roland Garros wins in his career.
- 92% first-serve points won in the second set against Bellucci.
- Only two break points conceded against Fonseca.
Bublik’s Masterclass Halts Jack Draper
In the fourth round, Jack Draper faced Alexander Bublik, a world number 62 known for his erratic yet dazzling shot-making. Bublik, who had upset ninth seed Alex de Minaur earlier, unleashed a performance for the ages on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Despite Draper taking the first set 7-5 with sharp returning and composure, Bublik flipped the script. His mix of pinpoint serves, two-handed backhands, and an astonishing 22 drop shots overwhelmed Draper, who struggled to counter the Kazakh’s variety. Bublik clinched the match 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, celebrating his first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final berth. “Sometimes in life, there’s only one chance, and today was mine,” Bublik said, visibly emotional.
Draper’s loss, his worst by ranking since last year’s first-round exit, highlighted Bublik’s ability to disrupt even the most consistent players. The Brit’s forehand, usually a weapon, faltered under Bublik’s relentless changes of pace, and his first serve waned, costing him crucial points.
What’s Next for Jack Draper?
Despite the defeat, Jack Draper’s 2025 season remains a triumph. His rise to world number five, fueled by a US Open semi-final and an ATP Masters title in Indian Wells, signals his potential as a multi-surface threat. Former British number four Tim Henman praised Draper’s left-handed serve and forehand, noting they “work on any surface.” This French Open run, his deepest yet at Roland Garros, proves he can compete on clay, a surface once considered his weakest. The loss to Bublik, while stinging, offers lessons in adaptability against unconventional opponents.
Draper’s next challenge lies in refining his game to handle players like Bublik, who thrive on unpredictability. His composure in high-pressure matches, evident in his Monfils win, suggests he’s close to cracking the Grand Slam code. With Wimbledon and the US Open looming, expect Draper to channel this setback into motivation.
A Bright Future Awaits
Jack Draper’s French Open exit doesn’t dim his star. At 23, he’s Britain’s top hope for a Grand Slam title, blending power, athleticism, and mental toughness. Bublik’s masterclass exposed areas for growth, but Draper’s ability to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros—a tournament where he’d previously struggled—shows his rapid evolution. Fans should watch closely as he prepares for the grass season, where his serve could dominate.
Keep following Jack Draper’s journey as he aims for Grand Slam glory. Share your thoughts on his French Open run and what you expect from him at Wimbledon in the comments below!