Six British Singles Players Win French Open First Round for First Time Since 1973

Jack Draper secured his first-ever French Open win by overcoming Italy's Mattia Bellucci in four sets, marking a significant milestone in his career. Despite losing the first set and facing a strong start from Bellucci, Draper adapted his game, increasing his aggression and improving his serve to clinch the match. His victory contributed to a historic achievement for British tennis, with six British players advancing past the first round at Roland Garros for the first time since 1973. Draper has shown remarkable progress over the past year, rising into the world's top five, reaching a Grand Slam semi-final, and performing well on various surfaces including clay. The win reflects his evolution from previous disappointing performances at Roland Garros to becoming a serious contender on the clay courts. Observers credit his left-handed serve and powerful forehand as key assets that have helped him succeed across different tournaments and surfaces.