Jack Draper has delivered a brutally honest assessment of his performance after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Italian Open quarter-finals.
The British tennis star was particularly critical of his mental and emotional approach during the straight-sets defeat in Rome.
Despite his recent strong form, Draper expressed deep disappointment with aspects of his game beyond the technical elements after falling to a 6-4 6-4 defeat against the third seed in Rome.
"I obviously lost to a great player today," Draper said after the match.
Jack Draper can be forgiven for feeling exhausted after a taxing few days in Rome
Reuters
"I'm very disappointed with the way I performed in a way, I think from a mental and emotional point of view.
"Like, obviously, you could say that's normal, I've had a tough four weeks. I don't want to be normal. I want to be right up there."
The demanding schedule may have contributed to Draper's struggles against Alcaraz.
He had played six matches in Madrid, reaching the final where he lost to Casper Ruud and only had five days to recover before being back in action on the clay courts in Italy.
Draper initially made light work of his first two opponents in Rome.
However, his three-set victory over Corentin Moutet on Tuesday proved physically taxing and, the very next day, he faced one of the tour's most physical players in Alcaraz.
Draper's frustration was clearly visible during the match against the Spanish star.
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He repeatedly screamed expletives while attempting to break Alcaraz's serve early in the second set.
This emotional outburst came shortly after being broken himself.
Despite going toe-to-toe with Alcaraz for periods of their quarter-final showdown, the Briton ultimately couldn't overcome the third seed's quality.
"It hurts a lot, this kind of loss," Draper admitted afterwards. "But like I said, Carlos played a really good match and he was the better player.
Jack Draper was well-beaten in the end by Carlos Alcaraz
Reuters
"I have to accept that, go back to the drawing board, really prepare well for the French Open, know that I'm hopefully going to have many more chances against these great players."
The British player is now focused on regrouping before Roland-Garros, the season's second Grand Slam.
Despite the disappointment, Draper acknowledged his impressive start to the season.
"I've been playing some really good stuff," he said.
His 2025 campaign has included reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and the final of the Qatar Open.
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Jack Draper was heartbroken by defeat in the Italian Open with the French Open fast approaching
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He also claimed victory at Indian Wells before his run to the Madrid final.
"I'm really proud of the way I've approached the clay season," Draper reflected.
"I know that if I want to be a top, top player, I have to be consistent week in, week out."
