Draper beaten by inspired Bublik at French Open

French Open 2025

Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland Garros

Coverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app

Jack Draper was given a reality check as world number 62 Alexander Bublik produced a phenomenal fourth-round performance to end British interest in the French Open singles.

Fifth seed Draper lost his way in a 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4 defeat by the maverick Kazakh.

The British number one was largely expected to continue his sharp rise on the clay and tee up a potential quarter-final against top seed Jannik Sinner, who plays his fourth-round match later on Monday.

However, Bublik unleashed an array of spectacular shot-making - using the drop-shot to devastating effect in particular - on his way to a spectacular victory.

A tense finish saw Bublik spurn one match point - and save five break points to Draper - before eventually getting over the line.

It is Draper's worst defeat by ranking since his first-round exit at Roland Garros last year.

"Sometimes in life there is only one chance and today, I think it was mine," said Bublik, who was ranked as high as 17th in 2024.

"I couldn't let it slip. I think it is the best moment of my life."

Draper's loss came a little over an hour after British number three Cameron Norrie also suffered defeat.

Norrie was beaten in straight sets by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

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