Jack Draper gives heartbreaking reflection of fourth round defeat: 'I'm hurt'

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Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 02/06/2025

- 22:31

The British No. 1 suffered a surprise defeat on Monday afternoon

Jack Draper's French Open campaign ended in crushing disappointment as the British No. 1 suffered a shock fourth-round defeat to Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik.

The fifth seed lost 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4 to the world No. 62, bringing Britain's singles hopes at Roland Garros to an abrupt end.


Draper appeared to struggle with Bublik's unpredictable style, and was unable to find his rhythm against the underdog.

The defeat came on the same day as Cameron Norrie's defeat to Novak Djokovic, leaving Britain without representation in the tournament's latter stages.

Jack DraperJack Draper did not play poorly, but he was no match for Alexander Bublik on the dayReuters

Bublik's victory marked a historic achievement for Kazakhstan, as the 27-year-old became the first Kazakhstani native to reach a grand slam quarter-final.

The world No. 62 was hitting the ball gloriously at times, with his drop-shots repeatedly leaving Draper stranded on the clay.

Bublik maintained a consistently high level throughout the match, leaving Draper unable to play his natural game.

After matching serves in the opening set, Draper was gifted the break for 6-5 by a Bublik double-fault, but the momentum shifted decisively from the second set onwards as his unpredictable style proved too much for the British hopeful.

\u200bAlexander Bublik, Jack DraperAlexander Bublik could face world no 1 Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finalReuters

After the loss, Draper admitted he was deeply affected by the defeat, saying he was "hurt" and acknowledging his disappointment at missing a significant opportunity.

The 23-year-old said: "It was a tough match. I didn't play a good match, but I also didn't play a bad match.

"I thought he played incredibly well. He didn't allow me to play my tennis, I don't think."

Draper recognised that Bublik was "completely locked in" rather than displaying his usual inconsistent form.

Despite the setback, Draper expressed pride in his clay court improvement this tournament.

He reflected: "I think I am proud of the effort that I've done on the clay. I think I've really improved."

The stress was visible on Draper's face as Bublik marched into a 2-1 lead, with the Londoner unable to halt the momentum.

\u200bAlexander BublikAlexander Bublik fell to the ground after his victory over Jack DraperReuters

In a marathon final game, Draper saved a match point and had five break points but was unable to convert any of them.

After two hours and 34 minutes, Bublik delivered the knockout blow.

"You know sometimes in life there is only one chance. I had a feeling that I was mine and I couldn't let it slip," Bublik said afterwards.

"Standing here this is the best moment of my life."

The emotional victor cut short his on-court interview, grinning as the crowd gave him a standing ovation, adding: "I still have a match to go. I'm a professional tennis player."