Jack Draper battled through a hostile and electrifying atmosphere at the French Open to secure a tough victory over French favorite Gaël Monfils. On the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier, Draper managed to hold his nerve and win in four sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, advancing into the third round of the tournament.
From the outset, Draper showed his intent by taking the first set comfortably. His serve and forehand were working well, allowing him to dictate play and build an early lead. However, as the match progressed, the passionate French crowd rallied behind Monfils, filling the stadium with noise and energy that created a daunting environment for the British player.
Monfils, known for his entertaining and unpredictable style, began to make Draper work harder. His athleticism, shot-making skills, and ability to prolong rallies started to frustrate Draper, leading to unforced errors creeping into the Briton’s game. Monfils used his defensive prowess and creative shot selection to turn the momentum, leveling the match at one set all.
Despite the crowd’s fervent support and Monfils’ spirited play, Draper showed remarkable resilience and mental toughness. He fought back in the third set, reasserting control with his forehand and consistent serving. Draper’s ability to remain composed under pressure was clear as he took the set 6-3, positioning himself well for the decisive fourth set.
The fourth set saw a fierce back-and-forth battle. Monfils pushed hard, even managing to secure a 5-2 lead and double set point at 5-4 on Draper’s serve. Yet Draper’s physical freshness and focused attacking tennis came through at the crucial moments. He won five consecutive games to close out the match, demonstrating both skill and grit.
After the match, Draper acknowledged the unique challenge of playing against Monfils in front of such a passionate crowd. “No offence taken,” he said of the boisterous home fans. “This is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds, whether they are with me or against me. That’s the entertainment of tennis.”
Draper also praised Monfils, a 38-year-old veteran who has become a fixture of the night sessions at Roland Garros. Despite the physical and mental toll of the long match, Draper recognized the quality and charisma Monfils brought to the game. “My brain was fried out here,” Draper admitted. “That’s why he’s had such a successful career… The players love to watch him play as well, but not to play against him.”
The atmosphere was electric throughout, with Monfils receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as he left the court. The match could well be one of his last at Roland Garros, marking the end of an era for the beloved Frenchman.
In a show of sportsmanship, the two players shared a long hug at the net. Draper expressed admiration for Monfils not only as a competitor but also as a person, highlighting his sense of humor and kindness off the court.
Looking ahead, Draper faces another formidable challenge in the third round, where he will meet 18-year-old Brazilian rising star João Fonseca. Draper has already beaten Fonseca once this year on his way to winning the Indian Wells title, setting up an intriguing encounter as the tournament progresses.
This victory over Monfils will undoubtedly boost Draper’s confidence as he continues his run in Paris, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in hostile conditions and against a player known for pushing his opponents to the limit. The British No. 1 has shown not just skill but also maturity and mental toughness, qualities that will serve him well as he seeks to go deep in the French Open.
