Jack Draper has had a tough first two matches at Roland Garros, and it’s just about to get tougher.
Draper emerged victorious in a thriller against Gael Monfils on Court Philippe Chatrier, defeating the Frenchman over four sets to advance to the third round, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
The clash followed the Briton’s first-round bout with Mattia Bellucci, which also went four sets.
His next opponent comes in the form of 18-year-old Joao Fonseca, who burst onto the scene after his triumph at the ATP Next Gen Finals last year.
Fonseca lost to Draper in March at the Indian Wells Open, where the world number five went on to win his first Masters 1000 crown.
The 23-year-old took a moment after his win to give his verdict on the upcoming meeting with the Brazilian.
Jack Draper gives his thoughts on Joao Fonseca ahead of their clash
In his post-match press conference, Draper said of his match with Fonseca: “It bodes well with my competitive nature that sort of thing, especially playing in Grand Slams in front of a lot of people.
“That is why I put in that hard work and go through what I go through on a daily basis. I am looking forward to playing against him, he is obviously a special player.
“I think I am going to be playing him a lot. I think we will be seeing him a lot in the back ends of draws and right at the top of the game.
“I think everyone can see his potential and the way he plays, some of the stuff he comes out with is very powerful, very dynamic and very explosive.
“I think that is what has drawn a lot of people to watch him, and obviously, the huge fan base that he brings from Brazil. I think that is great for the sport as well.
“I think I will be playing him for many years to come, not just on Saturday and I will look forward to the challenge of playing him.”
Joao Fonseca’s 2025 season so far on the ATP Tour
Fonseca’s first tour-level event of the 2025 ATP season was the Australian Open, where he marched through the qualifiers to advance to the main draw.
He earned a straight-sets win against ninth seed Andrey Rublev in the first round, besting the Russian in three sets, but ultimately fell to Lorenzo Sonego in the following round.
In his next tournament, the Brazilian earned a maiden ATP title, triumphing in the Argentina Open final over Francisco Cerundolo to hold the trophy aloft.
Since then, Fonseca has earned more success at Challenger level, but has struggled to make a deep run on tour.
That could change at Roland Garros, where he is showing impressive signs, having earned victories against Hubert Hurkacz and Pierre-Hugues Herbert already.
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