Jack Draper’s 2025 French Open journey came to an unexpected end as he bowed out in the fourth round at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old British star, tipped as a potential title contender, was defeated by Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in a four-set masterclass. With Draper out of French Open contention, British hopes in the singles draw have officially ended.
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A Match That Shifted Gears Fast
Draper came into the match in strong form, having dropped just one set in the first three rounds. He looked confident early on, taking the first set 7-5. However, what followed was a sharp shift in momentum. Bublik, known for his flamboyant and unpredictable style, stormed back into the contest. His explosive groundstrokes, audacious drop shots, and pinpoint serving left Draper scrambling.
The final scoreline read 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in Bublik’s favor. Draper struggled to adapt to Bublik’s constant changes in rhythm, and his unforced errors increased as the match wore on. This was Draper’s first fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros, and although his exit stings, the experience adds a crucial chapter to his development on clay.
Jack Draper: Out of French Open, But Not Out of Form
Despite the loss, it’s clear that Draper’s 2025 season is shaping up to be his best yet. He claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title earlier in the year and climbed into the top 10 for the first time in his career. His run in Paris may be over, but fans and analysts alike see him as a growing force in men’s tennis.
With the clay season behind him, Draper will now shift focus to grass. He’s expected to make his return at Queen’s Club in mid-June, followed by Wimbledon. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play are tailor-made for faster surfaces, and his performance on grass last year — including a semi-final run at Wimbledon — suggests that bigger success could be around the corner.
Alexander Bublik’s Career Milestone
While Jack Draper is out of French Open contention, Bublik’s stock has risen dramatically. This win marks his first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final — a huge achievement for the 26-year-old Kazakh player. Bublik’s blend of improvisation and finesse delighted the Paris crowd, and his celebration showed how much the moment meant to him.
What’s next for Bublik is a clash with either Jannik Sinner or Andrey Rublev. Both are formidable opponents, but if Bublik maintains this form, he could go even further. His ability to upset top seeds with unconventional tactics makes him one of the most exciting players left in the draw.
Where Draper Goes From Here
Even though Jack Draper is out of French Open contention, his journey this season tells a different story — one of growth, maturity, and resilience. He’s no longer a player riding on potential. Draper is now delivering consistent results, competing against top-tier names, and making deep runs at major events.
His performance in Paris, while not perfect, showed glimpses of his potential on clay. More importantly, he has proven that he can withstand the physical and mental demands of a Grand Slam over two weeks. The next challenge will be to recover, reset, and deliver on the grass — a surface where many believe he can win a major.
Key Takeaways from Draper’s French Open Run
- Reached 4th round at Roland Garros for the first time
- Dropped only one set in first three rounds
- Lost to Bublik in four sets: 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
- Now ranked inside ATP Top 10
- Set to begin grass season at Queen’s Club
Final Thoughts
Jack Draper’s exit might be disappointing for British tennis fans, but it should not overshadow what’s been a breakthrough season. He’s competing at the top level, growing with every match, and showing that he belongs among the elite. With grass season approaching, there’s every reason to believe that Draper could bounce back with a deep Wimbledon run.
For now, though, it’s Alexander Bublik’s moment in the spotlight — and a reminder that in tennis, one match can change everything.
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