Britain’s Jack Draper says it feels like a “missed opportunity” to reach the French Open quarter-finals after a surprise defeat by world number 62 Alexander Bublik.
The 23-year-old was given a reality check as Bublik, the second-lowest ranked player left in the draw, claimed an inspired 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4 win.
World number five Draper lost his way as the maverick Kazakh produced one of the finest displays of his career.
“It’s a really tough loss to take,” said Draper, who had never won a French Open match before this year.
“Even though I’ve come up quickly this year and got myself to a high ranking, it’s been a steep learning curve for me.
“I had an opportunity today and I missed my opportunity.”
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 later won his last-16 match against Andrey Rublev.
However, Bublik unleashed an array of spectacular shot-making – using the drop-shot to devastating effect in particular – on his way to a superb victory.
It is Draper’s worst defeat by ranking since his first-round exit at Roland Garros last year.
A tense finish saw 27-year-old Bublik spurn one match point – and save five break points – before eventually getting over the line.
“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 ended British interest in singles after Cameron Norrie was beaten by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.