Jack Draper achieved his first French Open victory this year, a significant milestone in his career.
Jack Draper’s impressive win over home favorite Gael Monfils secured three British men in the French Open third round for the first time since 1968.
Despite the enthusiastic Parisian crowd supporting the 38-year-old Monfils, the fifth-seeded Draper showcased his resilience, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Monfils, a former world number six, mounted a strong challenge, pushing Draper to a thrilling contest filled with high-quality rallies. However, he was unable to capitalize on opportunities to serve out at 5-3 or two set points at 5-4.
Draper, 23, displayed exceptional composure, securing his most significant Roland Garros victory to date.
“My brain was fried out here,” Draper admitted post-match.
“I’m not sure if I am going to go to sleep tonight because my brain is just all over the place with what [Gael] was doing out here.
“That’s why he has had such a successful career and is loved by all the fans. The players love to watch him play as well but not to play against him.”
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The British number one, next facing Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, advances to the last 32 alongside Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie, who will meet in an all-British clash.
Fearnley, 23, progressed after his French opponent, Ugo Humbert, retired following a significant fall, while leading 6-3, 4-4.
Fearnley, who replaced Norrie as British number two earlier this year, was in a commanding position when Humbert, the 22nd seed, withdrew.
Norrie, 29, secured his spot earlier on Thursday with a decisive 7-6 (9-7), 6-2, 6-1 victory over qualifier Federico Gomez.
This marks the first time in the Open Era (since 1968) that two British players will meet beyond the first round in Paris.
Draper’s rise as a leading player over the past year is undeniable, showcasing genuine ambition for major titles. His composed victory over Monfils highlights his maturity.
After two previous setbacks on Parisian clay, Draper returned determined to prove himself. His first career Roland Garros win against Mattia Bellucci, after overcoming a set deficit, demonstrated this.
The match against Monfils presented a similar challenge; the Frenchman’s charismatic style and the energetic, boisterous crowd required Draper to maintain focus.
Despite the crowd’s enthusiastic reactions, even to his errors, Draper remained composed, regaining the lead after Monfils leveled the score.
However, signs of frustration surfaced in the fourth set, including an outburst directed at his support team. This, though, didn’t derail his progress.
Draper shared a cordial embrace with Monfils after securing his win.
Despite losing serve at 4-2, he seized his opportunity in the ninth game. Monfils still had two set points in the tenth, but Draper’s resilience shone.
Draper’s experience from winning three consecutive five-setters at the Australian Open in January proved invaluable. He showcased his ability to overcome adversity, ultimately winning the final five games and securing a three-hour victory at 11:44 pm local time.
“There were times where I was very frustrated but I reminded myself that this is why I put in the hard work to play on courts like this,” Draper reflected.
“It is something I enjoyed while I was playing even though it didn’t look like it.”
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Fearnley’s ascent to British number two earlier this year is another significant achievement. After graduating from university in the US last April, he was ranked outside the top 500 just a year prior. His rapid climb is one of the fastest in ATP Tour history.
His impressive win against Stan Wawrinka last week prepared him well for the Humbert match. Fearnley’s confident start helped neutralize the home crowd advantage.
Despite briefly trailing in the second set, his progression came unfortunately through Humbert’s injury. Humbert’s fall led to his retirement, gifting Fearnley a place in the last 32 in his French Open debut.
Humbert aimed for his first French Open third round appearance.
Fearnley, now 55th in the world, will now focus on Norrie, who also honed his skills at Texas Christian University. Norrie’s recent resurgence on clay, notably beating Daniil Medvedev, bodes well for his upcoming match.
His match against Gomez was a different kind of challenge.
“I had to get up for this match – I was the favourite to win it,” Norrie shared with BBC Sport.
“I was able to bring a 6/7 out of 10 performance, I was happy with that.”
In men’s doubles, Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara advanced, while Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram were defeated. In women’s doubles, Maia Lumsden and Sabrina Santamaria progressed. In mixed doubles, Lloyd Glasspool and Giuliana Olmos won, but Joe Salisbury and Tereza Mihalikova were eliminated.
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