Jack Draper’s French Open journey ended abruptly as Alexander Bublik delivered a career-defining performance to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, defeating the British No. in four sets, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, on Monday at Roland Garros.
Draper, seeded fifth and considered a contender for the title, took the opening set but struggled to cope with Bublik’s unpredictable mix of power, drop shots, and relentless net play. Bublik, ranked 62nd, won 79% of his first-serve points and converted five of six break points, showcasing a level of shot-making that left Draper searching for answers.
The match turned in the second set as Bublik’s confidence soared. He unleashed 68 winners, including winning drop shots, and kept the crowd on edge with his signature flair and variety. Draper’s usually reliable serve and forehand faltered under pressure, and he was unable to recover as Bublik surged through the final sets.
Bublik’s victory marks the first time a Kazakhstani man has reached a Grand Slam singles quarterfinal. He will next face either Jannik Sinner or Andrey Rublev in the last eight, while Draper is left to regroup after a tough exit from Paris.
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