Jack Draper’s French Open campaign ended in a stunning four-set defeat against Alexander Bublik, who showcased a remarkable performance to secure a 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory in the fourth round. The unseeded Kazakhstani, ranked world No. 62, reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, delivering an unpredictable and dazzling display of tennis that left Draper unable to respond.
Draper, the tournament’s fifth seed, entered the match with strong hopes after a series of positive performances on clay this season. However, from the outset, Bublik demonstrated why he remains one of the most dangerous players on tour when in form. His game combined pinpoint serving, aggressive groundstrokes, and an almost relentless use of drop shots that continually disrupted Draper’s rhythm. The Court Suzanne Lenglen crowd witnessed an enthralling contest as Bublik’s unorthodox style proved too much to handle.
The first set went largely as expected. Draper’s superior return game and steady movement helped him edge out the tight points and claim the opener 7-5. Bublik’s tendency toward an unstable temperament was apparent, and Draper seemed in control as the match progressed. Early in the second set, it appeared Draper might consolidate his advantage when Bublik faltered with some risky drop shots, gifting the British player a service break. However, that moment marked a turning point.
Suddenly, Bublik elevated his level dramatically. He unleashed a spectacular array of shots, mixing powerful serves with exquisite touch shots and precision drop shots that left Draper chasing. The Kazakh’s backhand, a major weapon throughout the match, proved especially effective, continuously pushing Draper onto the defensive. As Bublik forced himself back into the contest, Draper’s confidence waned; his first serve percentage dropped, and his forehand lost its usual penetration.
Over the next two sets, Bublik dominated. His unorthodox style, which has been as much a source of frustration as a weapon in the past, was perfectly executed. The 27-year-old completed the match with an astonishing 37 drop-shot attempts, landing 12 winners off these delicate plays alone. He struck 68 winners in total, almost double Draper’s 37, showcasing his ability to both craft points intelligently and finish them emphatically.
Draper admitted after the match that he felt overwhelmed by Bublik’s unpredictable and uncomfortable style. “He made it almost out of my control,” Draper said, reflecting on the challenge of facing such an unorthodox opponent. “He made me feel like I couldn’t do much. That’s what top players do.”
For Draper, this defeat will sting deeply. After building significant momentum during the clay season and surpassing expectations by reaching the second week of a Grand Slam, he had ambitions to go further. His progress this year has been evident having gone from a first-round exit last year to now being ranked No. 5 in the world among seeds at Roland Garros. Yet this loss will undoubtedly serve as a learning experience on his path forward.
Despite the disappointment, Draper remained reflective and acknowledged his growth. “I’m hurt, and I’m really disappointed,” he said. “I had an opportunity today and missed it. But I’m proud of the effort I’ve put into my clay season. Last year I left here early and was unsure about my direction. This year, I’m leaving knowing I’ve improved a lot.”
Meanwhile, Bublik will face a stern test in the quarter-finals against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The Italian continued his dominant run with a straight-sets win over Andrey Rublev and will be eager to maintain his bid for a fourth Grand Slam title. Bublik’s victory over Draper not only signals his return to form but also adds an unpredictable element to the tournament’s final stages, where his flair and unpredictability could unsettle even the best players.
In the end, this match was a testament to tennis’s unpredictable nature—where talent and confidence collide, and on any given day, an unseeded player can rewrite the narrative by playing some of the best tennis of their life. For Draper, the journey continues with valuable lessons learned; for Bublik, the spotlight now shines brighter than ever as he steps into the quarter-finals of one of tennis’s biggest stages.
