'Made a fool of himself': Jack Draper lambasted by three-time Grand Slam winner after French Open fourth-round exit

Three-time doubles Grand Slam winner Michael Llodra believes that Jack Draper made a ‘fool’ of himself during the French Open. The 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the most talented players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category, suffered a defeat in the fourth round of the second Grand Slam of the year after losing to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

Former doubles world number three Llorda was recently quoted in a report by English media outlet Daily Express, where he criticised Draper’s performance on the night. The 41-year-old stated that the world number five’s performance against Bublik resembled how Italian side Inter Milan played in the final of the UEFA Champions League, where they were hammered by French side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). "We've got the world No.5 making a fool of himself for almost a set and a half. We get a glimpse of Bublik's talent. It feels like watching PSG against Inter Milan. I had to say it. Sorry."

Draper, after the match, stated that he was disappointed with the outcome. However, the 2024 US Open semifinalist stated that overall, he is satisfied with the effort he has put into the clay season. Draper also said that he is happy with his recent performance, which has pushed him as high as fifth in the ATP rankings.

“I'm hurt, and for sure I'm really disappointed," said Draper. "I had an opportunity today, and I missed my opportunity, for sure. I struggle to put things in perspective. But I think I am proud of the effort that I've done on the clay. I think I've really improved.I think last year I was leaving here, first round loss, being 40 in the world and very disappointed with my tennis and not sure, you know, where I was going with it. This year I'm leaving No.5 in the world. I've made the fourth round. I'm playing consistently really good tennis week in and week out."