PARIS — Britain's Jack Draper delivered a statement performance at Roland Garros, dismantling Brazilian rising star João Fonseca in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3) to underline his credentials as a genuine French Open contender. The 22-year-old left-hander showcased his trademark power and tactical maturity on Court Suzanne Lenglen, leaving the 17-year-old Fonseca with few answers in their second-round clash.
Draper's Dominance on Clay Continues
Draper, who arrived in Paris fresh off his first ATP title in Stuttgart, extended his winning streak to seven matches with a performance that blended brute force with clay-court nuance. The British No. 4 struck 38 winners against just 19 unforced errors, while his serve—once considered a weakness—proved impenetrable, winning 82% of points behind his first delivery.
"I've worked incredibly hard on my movement and point construction for clay," Draper said post-match. "Last year I was too one-dimensional on this surface. Now I'm using more angles, more variety—it's not just about blasting winners."
Fonseca's Bright Future Despite Defeat
While outclassed on this occasion, Fonseca—the youngest player in the men's draw—showed flashes of why he's considered tennis' next big thing. The Rio native, who won the 2023 US Open boys' title, produced several breathtaking winners, including:
- A running forehand pass at full stretch in the second set
- An audacious drop shot-lob combination in the third
- Three consecutive aces when facing break point
"He's going to be special," Draper acknowledged. "The way he takes the ball early reminds me of Carlos [Alcaraz] at that age. Give him two years and he'll be beating guys like me routinely."
Tactical Breakdown: How Draper Neutralized the Phenom
Draper's game plan focused on exploiting Fonseca's relative inexperience in best-of-five matches. The Brit consistently:
- Extended rallies beyond 8 shots (winning 68% of those points)
- Targeted Fonseca's backhand with heavy topspin
- Mixed serve placement to prevent rhythm
The strategy paid dividends as Fonseca's error count ballooned to 42 by match's end. "I knew he'd go for spectacular shots if I made him play one more ball," Draper revealed. "Patience was key—this isn't junior tennis where you can blast through everyone."
What This Means for Draper's Roland Garros Campaign
With this victory, Draper equals his best Grand Slam performance (2022 US Open third round) and sets up a tantalizing clash against either 28th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Arthur Rinderknech. The Brit's clay transformation is particularly noteworthy:
- 2023: 2-5 record on clay
- 2024: 12-3 including Stuttgart title
- First British man since Andy Murray (2016) to win 7+ consecutive matches on clay
"I always believed my game could work on clay," Draper insisted. "It was about adapting my movement and learning when to be aggressive. Now I feel I can trouble anyone on this surface."
The Bigger Picture: British Tennis Resurgence
Draper's success forms part of a remarkable British surge at Roland Garros, with four men reaching the second round for the first time since 1984. Alongside Draper:
- Cameron Norrie (seeded 32nd) advanced in four sets
- Dan Evans overcame a two-set deficit
- 20-year-old Jacob Fearnley made his Grand Slam debut
"We're pushing each other," Draper noted. "When you see Cam making quarterfinals or Dan beating top players, it makes you believe you belong at this level too."
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
While Fonseca's time will come, this match belonged emphatically to Draper. The Brit has transformed from a hardcourt specialist to a genuine all-surface threat in 12 months. With his combination of lefty angles, improved fitness, and tactical intelligence, Draper appears primed for a deep Paris run.
As for Fonseca, the teenager remained philosophical: "Today I learned what it takes at this level. Jack gave me a lesson in controlled aggression. I'll be back stronger." The tennis world will undoubtedly be watching both these rising stars closely in the coming years.