PARIS — British tennis star Jack Draper survived a major scare in the first round of the French Open, rallying from a set down to defeat Jesper de Jong in a grueling five-set battle. The 22-year-old, seeded 28th at Roland Garros, showed resilience to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory and book his place in the second round.
Draper, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, demonstrated his growing maturity on clay as he fought back against the Dutch qualifier. The match, lasting over three hours, tested both players physically and mentally, with Draper ultimately prevailing thanks to his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. "It was a real battle out there," Draper admitted afterward. "Jesper made me work for every point, but I’m just happy to get through."
A Slow Start for Draper
The match began ominously for Draper, who struggled to find his rhythm early. De Jong, ranked 176th in the world, took advantage of the Brit’s sluggish start, breaking serve in the fifth game and holding firm to claim the first set. Draper’s unforced errors piled up, and his usually reliable forehand misfired repeatedly. "I wasn’t sharp at the beginning," Draper conceded. "But I knew I had to stay patient and trust my game."
The second set saw a marked improvement from Draper, who began to dictate play with his heavy groundstrokes. A crucial break in the sixth game shifted momentum, and he leveled the match with a confident hold. Key factors in his turnaround included:
- Increased first-serve percentage (from 55% to 68%)
- More aggressive net approaches
- Better depth on his backhand
Draper Takes Control
The third set followed a similar pattern, with Draper’s superior power proving decisive. He broke early and maintained his lead, closing out the set with a blistering ace. However, de Jong refused to fade, capitalizing on a dip in Draper’s intensity to force a decider. "He’s a fighter," Draper said of his opponent. "I knew he wouldn’t go away easily."
Fifth-Set Drama
The final set was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks early. Draper, drawing on his experience, raised his level at the crucial moments, breaking de Jong in the seventh game before serving out the match. His victory was sealed with a thunderous forehand winner, sparking celebrations from the British contingent in the crowd.
What’s Next for Draper?
Draper will face either French wildcard Harold Mayot or Argentina’s Facundo Díaz Acosta in the second round. With his confidence growing, he remains optimistic about his chances. "I’m here to compete, and I believe I can go deep," he said. "This win gives me a lot of belief."
The victory marks another step forward for Draper, who has steadily climbed the rankings this season. After battling injuries in 2023, he has shown his potential on clay, reaching the semifinals in Munich and now securing a hard-fought win at Roland Garros. His performance under pressure suggests he could be a dark horse in the tournament.
British tennis fans will be hoping Draper can build on this momentum. With Andy Murray nearing retirement and Cameron Norrie struggling for form, Draper’s emergence as a reliable contender at Grand Slams is a welcome development. "I want to make my mark," Draper declared. "This is just the beginning."
The French Open continues to deliver thrilling matches, and Draper’s first-round escape was no exception. His ability to dig deep and overcome adversity bodes well for his future in the sport. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the young Brit can continue his impressive run.
For now, Draper can savor his hard-earned victory. "It’s not always pretty, but winning these kinds of matches is what it’s all about," he reflected. With his fighting spirit and raw talent, Jack Draper is proving he belongs on the big stage.