Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie both advanced comfortably to the fourth round of the French Open, marking significant milestones in their careers at Roland Garros. Draper overcame the young Brazilian João Fonseca in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, delivering his best performance of the tournament. Meanwhile, Norrie continued his strong form by defeating fellow Briton Jacob Fearnley 6-3, 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, setting up a high-profile clash with Novak Djokovic in the next round.
Draper’s journey at the tournament has been notable, particularly coming off a thrilling late-night victory over the veteran Gaël Monfils. Against Fonseca, the youngest player inside the men’s top 100, Draper showcased his ability to adapt and dominate under improved conditions. The match took place during warmer daytime hours, which suited Draper’s game far better than his previous night matches where heavy, damp balls and slow conditions had made play difficult. With the sun and faster court conditions, Draper’s forehand became a devastating weapon, delivering heavy topspin and blistering pace that consistently pushed Fonseca behind the baseline.
Fonseca, an 18-year-old rising star who had made waves earlier in the season with a top-10 win at the Australian Open, struggled to match Draper’s power and precision. Draper’s forehand not only overwhelmed Fonseca but also allowed him to vary his shots effectively, mixing deep groundstrokes with perfectly timed drop shots to keep his opponent off balance. Fonseca’s inexperience in grand slam settings showed, especially as unforced errors mounted under Draper’s relentless pressure. Draper’s serving was equally impressive, maintaining control over his own service games while applying constant pressure on Fonseca’s.
After the match, Draper praised Fonseca’s talent and potential, emphasizing the bright future that lies ahead for the young Brazilian. Draper himself appeared to grow more confident and comfortable as the match progressed, his freedom to move the ball and change direction giving him the edge in every set. This victory marked Draper’s first time reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros, a milestone that reflects his growth and adaptation on the demanding clay surface.
Cameron Norrie’s run at the tournament has also been a breakthrough. Following a stunning first-round upset over 11th seed Daniil Medvedev, Norrie has maintained a high level of play. His third-round victory over Jacob Fearnley, another British player and former Texas Christian University teammate, was characterized by solid consistency and relentless work ethic. Despite facing a noisy environment with fireworks from a nearby Champions League viewing party adding to the challenge, Norrie stayed focused, grinding out a straight-sets win.
Norrie’s physical endurance was evident as he mentioned having gone through seven shirts in the three-set match due to the intense heat and effort. His disciplined approach gradually wore down Fearnley, enabling him to seize crucial points and secure the win. This marks the first time Norrie has advanced to the second week of the French Open, an achievement that underscores his resurgence and improving form on clay.
Looking ahead, Draper will face Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in the fourth round. Bublik, known for his unpredictable style and strong serve, presents a tough challenge for Draper’s aggressive baseline game. Meanwhile, Norrie will meet one of the toughest opponents in the sport, Novak Djokovic. Djokovic is pursuing a record 25th grand slam title and entered the fourth round after a convincing straight-sets win over Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic.
The presence of two British men in the fourth round at Roland Garros is notable, marking the first time this has happened since 1963. Both Draper and Norrie have demonstrated resilience and tactical growth throughout the tournament, setting up intriguing possibilities for British tennis fans as the competition moves into the crucial second week. Draper’s powerful forehand and evolving game make him a dangerous contender, while Norrie’s consistency and mental toughness will be key assets against the formidable Djokovic. As the clay court battles intensify, the performances of these two British players highlight their rising stature on the world stage.
