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Jack Draper responds to comments Alexander Bublik has made about him before Wimbledon starts

Jack Draper (L) thinking ahead of Wimbledon in 2025, Alexander Bublik (R) at the French Open in 2025.
Credit: Hannah Peters/Adam Pretty / Getty Images
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Jack Draper will begin his fourth Wimbledon campaign against Sebastian Baez in the first round of the tournament.

The 23-year-old is in pursuit of clinching a maiden Grand Slam title and becoming the first British winner at the All England Club since Andy Murray in 2016.

It won’t be an easy ride to the final for Draper, however, whose quarter of the Wimbledon draw includes seven-time champion Novak Djokovic.

Also in his quarter is the 28th seed, Alexander Bublik, who has recently made some comments about his potential third-round opponent.

Jack Draper practicing on Court No.1 ahead of Wimbledon in 2025.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Jack Draper responds to Alexander Bublik’s comments about him

Bublik said that Draper was a ‘UFC fighter in tennis’, referring to his improved physical stature.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Draper said of his assessment: “I’m not sure if it’s a good thing in tennis.

“I am never going to be someone like a Jannik Sinner or a Djokovic, quite skinny built but extremely strong in their own way.

“I am someone who is a bit of a stockier build, but it is nice to receive compliments like that, if someone thinks I’m in good shape.”

Jack Draper at the All England Club ahead of Wimbledon.
Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

When asked what he has done to become more powerful, the world number four answered: “Nothing too different.

“I have really worked hard consistently over a long period of time. Mentally, as a player and person I have changed so much over the last 12 months, but also physically.

“I think as I have got older, the genetics have come into play a little bit, and I have kept the work ethic. It looks like it is overnight, but it is a lot of hard work.”

Jack Draper’s potential route to the Wimbledon final

After his first-round match with Baez, Draper could face one of Raphael Collignon or former US Open champion Marin Cilic.

Should he advance to the third round, Bublik will be the most likely opponent for the Briton, whom he lost to at Roland Garros.

Potential fourth-round opponents could come in the form of Flavio Cobolli or 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.

After that, there’s a good chance Draper will have to get past both Djokovic and Jannik Sinner to reach his first Wimbledon final.