Competing in the round of 16 for the first time in a Grand Slam, Draper had led by a break in a crucial third set, but in the end, Rublev’s experience was enough to see him over the line.

His victories over Radu Albot, Hubert Hurkacz and Michael Mmoh have seen the Brit close in on the top 100 with a live ranking at No.105, having come back from a lengthy spell with injury. This was only Draper’s third tournament since he was forced to retire in the opening round at the French Open.

Both players had break point opportunities in the opening four games, but it was the world No.8 who got the initial breakthrough – passing the young Brit as he came into the net off a second serve. While the Russian was able to close out the set, there were plenty of positives for the Brit, who had won 11 of 11 points off his first serve.

Facing another potential break at 1-1 in the second, Draper staved off the attack from Rublev with a brilliant combination of forehand winners, much to the frustration of his opponent. The stress soon told in the humid conditions as Rublev let out a fit of rage after hitting his second double fault of the game to give Draper the break and shift the momentum in favour of the Brit.

Still annoyed with the way he lost the second set, Rublev looked a shell of himself at the start of the third as Draper broke in the opening game to lead for the first time in the match. But having gone 2-0 down Rublev showed great character to win to win six of the next seven games and clinch a crucial set.

With his lead restored, Rublev put his foot firmly on the gas to close out the win. Draper’s lack of playing time in recent months started to show in the fourth and physically, the eighth seed seemed to have the upper hand. Despite a brilliant fight from the young Brit, Rublev broke to love at 2-2 and managed to see out the set having only lost three points on serve, sealing a hard-fought victory on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court.