Jack Draper has message for Joao Fonseca after knocking him out of the French Open

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Jack Draper’s French Open run continued with an impressive win over Brazil’s Joao Fonseca.

When Draper arrived in Paris earlier this month, he did so having never before won a match at the French Open.

Keen to change that particular statistic, Draper got off to a winning start, taking down Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.

The Brit was then scheduled for Court Philippe Chatrier’s night session in round two, where Draper beat Gael Monfils in one of the best matches of the tournament so far.

Draper then came face to face with Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, defeating the youngster in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.

After the match, Draper took the time to share his thoughts on Fonseca, wishing him luck for the future.

Jack Draper says Joao Fonseca will be ‘right at the top’ of men’s tennis in the future

During his on-court interview, Draper gave his verdict on the world number 65.

“I knew it was going to be a really tough match. Joao [Fonseca] is someone who’s come on to the tour and caught the attention of everyone, the players, the fans, he’s an incredible young player,” said Draper.

“So much to come from him, I think today a bit of experience, I don’t think he’s played as many Grand Slams as myself.

“But I think he’s got an unbelievably bright future, and I think he’s going to be right at the top of the game, so good luck to him.”

Fonseca was appearing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for just the second time in Paris, whereas Draper is competing in his 12th.

Later, in his post-match press conference, Draper was asked whether he thinks Fonseca is currently facing the same issues he was a few years ago.

“Yeah, probably. I think it’s obviously physically more difficult in the Grand Slams as well,” said Draper.

“He reached the third round. How old is he… 18? That’s pretty impressive.

“I’m 23, so that’s five years… he just needs time. He’s already top 50 (actually 65th) in the world. He’s doing incredible things.

“His experience and everything are only going to grow with more matches. More experience playing against top players. More time practicing around. It’s only going to go up for him.

“I think it’s going to be scary what he’s going to be able to achieve.”

Jack Draper shares his honest opinion on the ‘rowdy’ crowds at the French Open

After playing two matches against fan-favorites, Monfils and Fonseca, Draper was asked how he feels about the crowds at Roland Garros.

“I mean, it’s not like anyone is against me, I understand that this game is entertainment as well, it’s two guys competing against each other,” he said.

“The last round playing Gael [Monfils] and obviously if you’re here and you’re Brazilian supporting Joao [Fonseca] or if you’re French supporting a French player that’s not against me.

“You want your player to win, and that’s fine. I don’t think it’s bad at all to have a rowdy atmosphere. That’s what I play for.”

Draper was also asked for his thoughts on the conditions on Suzanne-Lenglen during his third-round match, and whether they favored him.

“Definitely, my first two rounds I played in the night time,” he said.

“Playing against Gael [Monfils] the other night, I didn’t feel like I could hit the ball past him, the guy is so quick, and also it was so cold, I couldn’t really do much.

“Whereas today the ball was getting out more, definitely suits me more, the faster conditions. Either way I’ll be ready for my next round.”

Draper will take on Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in the fourth round, who beat qualifier Henrique Rocha in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, 6-2.

Bublik and Draper have played each other twice before, with the Brit emerging victorious on both occasions.

• 2024 Adelaide SF – Jack Draper beat Alexander Bublik, 7-6, 6-4
• 2021 Queen’s 2R – Jack Draper beat Alexander Bublik, 7-6, 7-6

Only time will tell if Draper can score a third win in a row when the pair face off for a place in the quarterfinals.

Draper will play Bublik in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday, June 2.