Jack Draper needed to showcase all of his mettle to despatch Gael Monfils in the second round of the French Open.
The fans who piled onto Philippe-Chatrier perhaps weren’t expecting a Roland Garros classic underneath the lights, but they got one anyway!
Draper might have anticipated a procession after taking the first set 6-3, but Monfils has essentially made a career out of not throwing the towel in when the chips are down.
The French star took the second set 6-4 to let the world number five know that he wasn’t going to have everything his own way in Monfils’ backyard.
However, Draper dug deep to come through two more sets, 6-3 and 7-5, to set up a mouthwatering match with João Fonseca in round three.
What Jack Draper wants to happen for Gael Monfils after beating him
Draper clearly had a lot of respect for Monfils after knocking him out of his home Grand Slam and had some nice words afterwards.
He was quizzed on the player whom he’d just sent packing, and he spoke on what he hopes can happen for Monfils in the future.
He said in his post-match interview on the court: “First off, I have to acknowledge Gael. Yes, it is my first time on this court, but what a battle, what an experience against someone I admire as a tennis player, but off the court, the guy is incredibly nice.
“The guy is a joker, he is a magician. He does everything. So, honestly, huge respect to him, and I hope he is able to play here one more time in the future.”
Monfils hasn’t dropped any hints that this will be his last French Open, but at 38-years-old, there is always the fear that he might not still be on the circuit in 12 months.
Jack Draper shares whether Gael Monfils win was his most difficult match
Draper is only 23-years-old and has played some tough matches during his career, and most notably made it through the semi-finals of the US Open last year.
He’s also beaten Carlos Alcaraz at last year’s Queen’s event, and it was perhaps a surprise when he was asked if this match was the toughest he’d ever played in.
| Jack Draper stats vs Gael Monfils | Total |
| Aces | 5 |
| Double Faults | 3 |
| Break Points | 7/22 |
| Points Won | 148 |
On that prospect, he said: “There are some tough ones. In these Grand Slams, I am starting to play more and more.
“Playing Gael against you guys as well, no offence taken. This is why I play tennis to play in front of big crowds, whether they are with me or against me, that’s the entertainment of tennis, so thank you.”
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