Experiencing a surprising defeat in the Roland Garros Round of 16 highlights the significant progress Jack Draper has made over the past year.
One year prior in Paris, the 23-year-old British player faced a tough first-round loss against Jesper de Jong, ranked 176th, as he was still discovering his optimal playing style.
Realizing he was being overly aggressive, Draper worked on finding a more balanced approach.
After clinching his inaugural ATP title just weeks later, his confidence surged, leading him to a remarkable semi-final run at the US Open.
A notable enhancement in his fitness levels has also played a crucial role in his success.
Following his biggest victory at Indian Wells in March, Draper focused on maximizing his most effective tools—his powerful serve and forehand—on the clay courts.
Reaching the final in the Madrid Open proved his capability to thrive on this surface, and he demonstrated maturity in his first three matches in Paris before facing a setback against Bublik.
“I find it difficult to put everything in context, but I’m proud of my progress on clay. I genuinely feel like I’ve improved,” Draper reflected.
“This year I’m ranked fifth in the world, advancing to the fourth round, and consistently playing high-level tennis week after week.
“I always channel the pain and setbacks to fuel my improvement.”