Jack Draper is on the charge at the French Open, and after beating Joao Fonseca, he’s now into the last 16 at Roland Garros for the very first time.
His match against the Brazilian sensation was billed as being a classic beforehand, but Draper’s dominant display showcased that he’s some way further down the track than the 18-year-old.
Draper has been hailed by John McEnroe for the form he’s showcased so far at the French Open, with the growing belief that he can win many Grand Slams during his career.
Despite a dominant performance from the Great Britain star, it would appear that not everyone is entirely convinced of his credentials to win his next match, however, with Tim Henman throwing his opinion into the mix.
Tim Henman explains what concerns him about Jack Draper facing Alexander Bublik
The Kazakhstan performer really is like a box of chocolates in the sense that you never really know what you’re going to get next from the player when he steps on a tennis court.
In terms of the rankings and the pedigree of the two players, Draper will be the favourite, however, Henman has admitted some reservations over the Great Britain performer over his next match.
He told TNT Sports: “I think when you reflect on Fonseca and Monfils, they are more out and out clay court players and big, big challenges.
“I am a little uncomfortable with this one. Bublik, the way he has been playing, that match to come through from two sets down against De Minaur, he really does have the firepower to take the racket out of your hands.
“He has that mentality where he might just start teeing off, hitting the ball as hard as he can and going for his shots.
“I think this is a tough challenge. Jack is playing well and is in great shape, but I am wary of this one.
“Bublik has a great serve, so I think it is really important that Jack is able to take care of his own serve because, perhaps, he won’t get that many break-point opportunities”
Draper cruising towards Jannik Sinner quarter-final clash
Bublik is all the way down at number 62 in the world, and although he did beat Alex de Minaur, it’s hard to imagine Draper getting beaten by him tomorrow.
Should Draper come through the match, he’s likely to get a crack at Sinner, with the pair meeting in the semi-final of the US Open in August.
Draper is set to go fourth in the world rankings and quite clearly, people are starting to stand up and take notice of the player a little bit more.
Bublik might have the game to cause Draper some problems in the last 16 clash, but it’s hard to imagine him being able to knock the Great Britain number one out, given how well he’s playing right now.
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