PARIS — In a match that stretched past midnight under the floodlights of Court Philippe-Chatrier, British rising star Jack Draper outlasted French favorite Gael Monfils in a grueling five-set thriller, securing his place in the French Open third round and making history for British tennis.
The 22-year-old Draper, seeded 27th, battled through cramps, fatigue, and a raucous Parisian crowd to triumph 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in a match lasting three hours and 31 minutes. The victory ensures three British men—Draper, Cameron Norrie, and Dan Evans—will compete in the third round at Roland Garros for the first time since 1968.
A Battle of Generations
The clash pitted Draper, a rising force on the ATP Tour, against the 37-year-old Monfils, a former world No. 6 and crowd favorite. Monfils, known for his electrifying athleticism and showmanship, pushed Draper to the limit, but the Brit’s relentless baseline game and clutch serving proved decisive. "My brain was fried by the end," Draper admitted in his post-match interview.
Key moments that defined the match:
- Draper’s dominant first-set performance, breaking Monfils early with aggressive forehands.
- Monfils’ second-set resurgence, capitalizing on Draper’s dip in energy.
- A pivotal third-set break for Draper, sealed with a blistering cross-court winner.
Late-Night Drama
As the clock ticked past midnight, the match reached its peak intensity. Monfils, feeding off the energy of the home crowd, fought back to take the fourth set, forcing a decider. But Draper, despite visible exhaustion, dug deep, breaking Monfils in the sixth game of the fifth set before serving out the match. "I just had to keep fighting," Draper said. "Gael’s an incredible player, and the crowd was unreal, but I trusted my game."
Historic Achievement for British Tennis
With Norrie and Evans also advancing, this marks the first time in 56 years that three British men have reached the third round at Roland Garros. Draper, who has battled injuries in recent years, called the milestone "a huge step forward for all of us."
What’s Next?
Draper will face 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo in the third round, while Monfils exits what could be his final French Open to a standing ovation. "I left everything out there," Monfils said. "Jack was just too good tonight."
For Draper, the win solidifies his status as one of Britain’s brightest prospects. With his powerful lefty game and mental resilience, he could be a dark horse in Paris. As he put it: "This is why I play tennis—matches like this."