Jack Draper Stays Calm to Secure First French Open Victory in Career Milestone

Jack Draper claimed his first-ever French Open main draw victory with a composed four-set win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. The 23-year-old Brit joined five compatriots in the second round, marking a historic moment for British tennis at Roland Garros.

Staying Calm Key to Draper's First French Open Win

Jack Draper credited a calm mindset and growing confidence in his game as the foundation for earning his first career win at the French Open.

The 23-year-old Brit, seeded fifth, overcame a slow start to defeat Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 3-6 6-1 6-4 6-2. It marks Draper's first main draw victory at Roland Garros in what is his third appearance at the tournament.

Previously unsuccessful in his two prior visits to Paris, Draper returned this year as Britain’s top-ranked male player and a more confident competitor on clay.

“When I lost the first set today, I wasn’t panicking at all,” Draper said. “In a three-set match, I’m usually quite aggressive and full-on all the time, but in Grand Slams you just can’t be like that because the match is too long. I did a really good job of staying calm and knowing that my tennis was going to click into place.”

The match reflected Draper’s growth in adapting to the demands of best-of-five-set tennis. After a nervy first set, he dominated with controlled aggression and smart point construction, finding his rhythm and outlasting the 68th-ranked Bellucci.

With this win, Draper became the sixth British singles player to reach the second round at this year’s French Open, a feat not achieved since 1973. He joins Cameron Norrie, Jacob Fearnley, Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and Sonay Kartal in a standout showing for British tennis.

Draper will now look to build on this breakthrough as he heads into round two with increased momentum and growing belief in his clay-court potential.