Bublik Advances to Quarter-Finals, Draper Eliminated

Jack Draper’s run at the French Open concluded with a fourth-round loss to Alexander Bublik on Monday. The British player succumbed to a 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 defeat against the Kazakh competitor.

With Draper’s exit, Britain’s singles representation at Roland Garros has ended. Draper, seeded fifth, struggled after a promising start against Bublik. Bublik will now compete against Andrey Rublev of Russia or Jannik Sinner of Italy, the world’s top-ranked player.

Despite never progressing beyond the first round in previous Paris appearances, Draper gained prominence by reaching the U.S. Open semi-finals in 2024. He entered the clay court Grand Slam with significant expectations, having reached the Madrid Open final the previous month.

However, Alexander Bublik’s strategic use of drop shots, totaling 37 with 12 being winners, proved challenging for Draper. Bublik capitalized on the moment to achieve his first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final.

“Sometimes life presents a single opportunity, and I felt today was that chance for me. I wasn’t going to let it pass,” Bublik expressed emotionally after the match.

“Standing here is the highlight of my career. It’s incredible,” he conveyed to the audience, prompting cheers of ‘Bubu, Bubu!’

“I feel like I’ve already won the tournament. I’m trying to maintain composure; I’m a professional and have another match to prepare for.”

After adapting to Jack Draper’s powerful shots, Bublik found his rhythm, dominating the final three sets.

The match intensified when Bublik served for the win, committing two double faults. Draper seized the opportunity, creating a break point with an impressive drop shot. Nevertheless, Bublik secured the victory with a strong serve, pleasing the supportive crowd. Bublik’s next opponent is Andrey Rublev or Jannik Sinner in the quarter-final.