Draper rues 'missed opportunity' after Bublik loss

Jack Draper feels he missed a chance to reach the French Open quarter-finals. He lost unexpectedly to Alexander Bublik, ranked 62nd in the world.

Draper, 23, faced a tough match as Bublik won 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Bublik is one of the lowest-ranked players left in the tournament. Draper struggled against Bublik's impressive performance.

"It's a really tough loss," said Draper. He had never won a French Open match before this year.

"I had an opportunity today and I missed it," he added.

Draper was expected to advance and possibly face top seed Jannik Sinner next. Sinner later won his match against Andrey Rublev.

Bublik showcased remarkable shot-making skills during the match. His drop-shots were particularly effective in securing his victory.

This defeat marks Draper's worst loss by ranking since last year's first-round exit at Roland Garros. The match ended dramatically as Bublik saved five break points before winning.

"Sometimes there is only one chance," said Bublik. "I couldn't let it slip." He called this win the best moment of his life.

Draper's loss also ended British interest in singles after Cameron Norrie's defeat by Novak Djokovic.

Despite the disappointment, Draper's progress is notable. A year ago, he lost in the first round to Jesper de Jong, ranked 176th.

He has improved significantly since then and found better balance in his game. Winning his first ATP title boosted his confidence earlier this year.

Improved fitness has played a key role in his success on clay courts. After winning at Indian Wells in March, he focused on using his strong serve and forehand effectively.

Reaching the Madrid Open final showed he could succeed on clay too. Before facing Bublik, Draper played well in his first three matches at Roland Garros.

"I am proud of my effort on clay," said Draper. "I've really improved."

He noted that he's now ranked fifth in the world and consistently plays good tennis each week. "I use hurt to better myself," he added.

Bublik's talent is clear but questions remain about his focus during matches. He started strong against Draper with both players evenly matched early on.

In the opening set, neither player created break opportunities until Draper applied pressure late on. A double fault from Bublik allowed Draper to take advantage and win the set.

However, when Draper's level dropped in the second set, Bublik capitalized quickly to level the match. His successful drop-shots helped him gain control in the third set as Draper struggled for answers.

A bathroom break before the fourth set did not help Draper regain momentum; he lost serve early and couldn't recover despite a late push.

"I felt like what was happening was out of my control," said Draper about facing top players like Bublik who make you uncomfortable during matches.

Bublik will now face world number one Jannik Sinner next after Sinner's victory over Rublev.