Jack Draper’s Wimbledon Hopes Crushed by Marin Cilic Upset

Jack Draper`s ambition of winning his first Wimbledon title was ended prematurely following a surprising second-round defeat to the seasoned Croatian player, Marin Cilic, on Court One.

Cilic delivered an exceptional performance, hitting 53 winners in a match that finished 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. This loss is undoubtedly difficult for Draper to accept, especially since he has recently climbed into the world`s top four rankings but has yet to advance past the second round at his home Grand Slam event.

Some British fans might have been unaware that Cilic was still actively competing, as this was his first appearance at the All England Club in four years.

A significant knee issue requiring two surgeries kept him sidelined for nearly two years, an injury that could have ended his career. However, Cilic was determined to make a comeback.

Draper described the loss as one of the most difficult of his career. “Very frustrated. Obviously really upset. Probably one of the toughest losses, I feel,” he stated. “I thought Cilic played an incredible match from start to finish. Didn`t let up. He deserved the win, but it hurts a lot.”

Cilic returned to the top 100 rankings after winning the Challenger event in Nottingham the previous month.

From the beginning of their match, Cilic demonstrated that he still possessed the consistent quality of his flat, deep groundstrokes.

Draper, known for his powerful shots this year, often found himself on the defensive, pushed several feet behind the baseline as he struggled to find control. Cilic, a finalist here in 2017 (losing to Roger Federer) and a US Open champion in 2014, effectively returned Draper`s serves low to his feet and capitalized on opportunities to hit balls accurately into the court corners.

Draper faced significant trouble when he lost his serve again, allowing Cilic to win five consecutive games in the second set. Having been defeated by an in-form Alexander Bublik in the fourth round of the French Open the previous month, Draper might have felt a sense of déjà vu as Cilic continued to play at a level far exceeding his ranking of 83.

Entering the third set, the British number one decided to adopt a more aggressive approach. Leading 2-1, Draper produced gasps from the audience with a powerfully hit forehand, setting up three break points (0-40). Cilic saved the first two, but on the third, after receiving a time violation warning for his lengthy ball-bouncing routine, he couldn`t handle a Draper backhand driven down the line, resulting in the breakthrough.

This was the crucial moment the 23-year-old needed, and it was quickly followed by a second break, offering Draper and the crowd renewed hope. A mistimed forehand from Draper gave Cilic two break points in the eighth game, but the home player held on. On the second break point, a forehand from the Croatian just clipped the top of the net and fell back on his side.

However, Draper found himself in difficulty again two games later. This time, a netted forehand presented Cilic with match point, which the Croatian successfully converted to secure the win.

“In this phase of my career, to return and compete at this standard, in front of this crowd, against Jack, it`s truly remarkable,” Cilic commented after the match.

Djokovic Advances Comfortably to 19th Wimbledon Third Round

Novak Djokovic moved within one victory of reaching a century of match wins at Wimbledon, dispatching British player Dan Evans 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 with clinical efficiency.

“I knew today`s court atmosphere would be special; facing a British player in Britain is always challenging,” Djokovic said. “He is a talented player with good quality. Occasionally, you have those days where everything goes your way.”

Wild card entrant Evans, now 35 and ranked 154th, had won their sole previous encounter in Monte Carlo four years prior. However, Djokovic quickly escalated his game. Evans was forced to save nine break points in the first set before ultimately conceding on the tenth, falling behind 5-3. Djokovic held serve impressively, dropping only three points on his own serve to secure the first set.

While the first set was strong, the second was almost flawless. Djokovic hit 12 winners, committed only one unforced error, won every point on his first serve, and allowed Evans just two points on his second. Djokovic, who has openly stated his belief that this year`s Championships offer his best opportunity to win a record 25th Grand Slam title, maintained pressure on Evans, completing the victory in just an hour and 47 minutes.

World number one Jannik Sinner required only an hour and 40 minutes to defeat Australian Aleksandar Vukic 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, setting up a third-round clash with Spain`s Pedro Martinez on Saturday.

Pinnington Jones and Fery Also Exit Tournament

Jack Pinnington Jones`s Grand Slam debut concluded in straight sets as he was overwhelmed by Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli in the second round of Wimbledon. The 22-year-old rookie, a close friend of Jack Draper, was defeated 6-1, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2.

Ranked 281st in the world, he exits his first major tournament with a consolation prize of £99,000 in earnings, secured from his first-round victory against Argentina`s Tomas Etcheverry.

British wild card Arthur Fery was unable to stage a comeback in his second-round match against Luciano Darderi, which was suspended on Wednesday and resumed on Court Two with the Italian leading by two sets. Darderi secured the third set, completing a 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 victory in two hours and 21 minutes.

Elsewhere in the women`s tournament, four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek, defending champion Barbora Krejcikova, and 2022 winner Elena Rybakina all advanced to the third round.