British tennis star Jack Draper triumphed over local favorite Gael Monfils in a gripping four-set encounter to advance to the third round of the 2025 French Open.
Draper, currently the top male player from the UK, secured a hard-fought victory with scores of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, setting up an intriguing matchup against Brazil’s emerging talent, Joao Fonseca, who earlier defeated Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
Despite the roaring support for Monfils from a passionate French crowd, Draper demonstrated remarkable composure, sidestepping the threat of a fifth set. Monfils missed a crucial chance to force a decider, failing to serve out a game at 5-3 and letting go of two set points at 5-4.
“I really respect Gael. This was my first match on this court, and it was quite a battle against someone I admire greatly, both on and off the court,” Draper remarked to TNT Sports. “He’s such a talented performer and a wonderful person, and I sincerely hope he has another chance to compete here.”
Draper started strongly, taking the opening set, but Monfils rallied, energizing the crowd to take the second. The match saw Draper regain control, ultimately claiming the third set with an impressive drop volley.
However, as fatigue set in for the 38-year-old Monfils, Draper capitalized on a slow moment, winning four consecutive games to seize victory.
“I was mentally exhausted out there,” Draper admitted. “It was challenging, especially when Gael was throwing everything at me. There were moments of frustration, but I kept reminding myself why I put in the hard work to compete at this level.”
This year marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time since 1968 that three British men have reached the third round at Roland-Garros, with Draper joined by Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley.
Norrie earlier defeated Argentina’s Federico Gomez with a score of 7-6 (9-7), 6-2, 6-1, while Fearnley advanced when Ugo Humbert retired during their match at 6-3, 4-4. They’ll now face off in an all-British third-round clash.
In contrast, British women’s No. 1 Katie Boulter was eliminated, falling to Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a score of 6-1, 6-3, plagued by nine double faults. “Against such a high-caliber player, you simply cannot afford to serve poorly,” she said.
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