Jack Draper Exits Wimbledon Early Again as Marin Čilić Prevails

LONDON, July 3, 2025 — Jack Draper, currently ranked fourth in the world, faced another disappointing exit at Wimbledon, falling in the second round for the second consecutive year. This year, he was defeated by Marin Čilić, the world No. 83 and a former finalist, with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 on the esteemed No. 1 Court at the All England Club.

The early exit is a stark contrast to Draper's otherwise impressive performance in the last twelve months, which included semifinal appearances at the U.S. Open and fourth-round finishes at both the Australian Open and French Open. His defeats at Wimbledon appear to stem from the immense pressure of being Britain's highest-ranked player, a burden he has consistently downplayed. However, Draper struggled to assert his game against Čilić, who displayed the expertise and finesse characteristic of a seasoned grass-court player.

Draper, at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), has yet to find his footing on the grass, appearing somewhat heavy-legged throughout the match. In contrast, Čilić, who recently secured an ATP Challenger title in Nottingham, showcased his prowess on grass, utilizing his experience from having reached the Wimbledon final in 2017 and winning the prestigious Queen’s Club tournament in both 2012 and 2018. His performance against Draper highlighted his ability to dominate from the baseline, effectively neutralizing Draper’s considerable power.

According to Dr. Richard Thompson, a Sports Psychologist at Loughborough University, “The pressure of competing on home soil can be overwhelming, especially for athletes like Draper who are seen as the great hope for British tennis. The psychological aspect of performance can significantly impact their ability to execute on the biggest stages.”

Draper's serve, particularly from the ad court, typically poses a significant threat to opponents; however, it was handled adeptly by Čilić. In the first set, Čilić returned a serve with a backhand winner, setting the tone for the match. His overall game included 16 aces and an impressive 88 percent win-rate on his first serve in the initial two sets.

The third set marked a momentary shift in momentum as Draper finally broke Čilić's serve, capitalizing on a time violation called against Čilić. Draper’s performance energized the crowd, who hoped to witness a comeback. Yet, Čilić's resilience shone through as he reasserted control in the fourth set, attacking 27 percent of the time compared to Draper’s 21 percent.

Following two knee surgeries, this marks Čilić’s first appearance at Wimbledon since 2021, making his victory over Draper particularly significant. He expressed relief and joy after the match, stating, “It feels incredible to be back and to compete at this level again after my injuries. Winning against a top player like Jack is a statement for me.”

Draper, while disappointed, has shown remarkable growth, rising from No. 40 to within the top five in the world rankings in just over a year. He has also clinched a Masters 1,000 title, which underscores his potential for future success. However, Wimbledon remains a significant hurdle, with the tournament defined by unexpected upsets this year, including the exits of several top seeds.

Looking forward to the next year, Draper will likely seek to address the challenges posed by competing at Wimbledon, focusing on developing strategies to manage pressure and optimize his performance on grass. His trajectory suggests that with continued improvement, he may yet fulfill the high expectations set for him in British tennis. This year's tournament continues to be a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports, where even the most promising talents can falter on the biggest stages.