In a stunning turn of events at Wimbledon 2025, Croatian tennis star Marin Čilić has publicly accused rising British talent Jack Draper of exhibiting “strange behavior” during their recent match. Čilić, a former US Open champion and long-time ATP tour veteran, went so far as to suggest that Draper may have been “using doping to enhance his performance.”
The explosive allegations were made shortly after Čilić’s hard-fought five-set loss to Draper in the third round of the prestigious Grand Slam. While Draper celebrated what many considered a career-defining victory, Čilić expressed grave concerns about what he witnessed on the court.
“There’s a reason he lost — he probably used too much doping,” Čilić told reporters in a post-match press conference, visibly agitated. “His behavior was off. The energy level, the reaction time… something didn’t seem right.”
Čilić has formally called on Wimbledon organizers and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) to launch an immediate investigation into the matter. His request includes a thorough review of Draper’s drug test results and close examination of any performance-enhancing substances that may have been used.
The accusations have already sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with fans and analysts alike stunned by Čilić’s unusually direct remarks. While doping allegations are not unheard of in professional sports, such public and specific accusations, especially without hard evidence, are rare — and potentially career-impacting.
Jack Draper, 23, responded swiftly and firmly. In a statement issued by his team, Draper dismissed Čilić’s claims as “baseless, offensive, and deeply disappointing.” He emphasized his long-standing commitment to clean sport and noted that he has always complied fully with all anti-doping regulations.
“I have nothing to hide,” Draper said. “I welcome any investigation and will cooperate fully. It’s unfortunate that a player of Čilić’s stature would resort to such statements.”
Some observers are viewing the incident as symbolic of a broader clash between generations in men’s tennis. Čilić, now 36, is part of an era dominated by discipline, consistency, and long rallies. Draper represents the new wave — fast, powerful, and unpredictable.
While the tennis community awaits official responses from Wimbledon and ITIA, the public reaction has been fierce. Social media is ablaze with opinions, with #CilicVsDraper trending worldwide. Some fans are supporting Čilić for raising concerns about fair play, while others are criticizing him for making accusations without evidence.
Wimbledon officials have yet to issue a formal statement, but sources inside the All England Club confirm that the claims are being “taken seriously.” If any formal investigation proceeds, it could overshadow the remaining matches and raise uncomfortable questions about anti-doping oversight in the sport.
For now, tennis fans are left with more questions than answers — and one of the most unexpected controversies of the tournament so far.
