Jack Draper secured a spot in the third round of the French Open after a hard-fought victory against veteran Gael Monfils on Thursday night. Draper, the third British player to advance in the men’s singles, won the match with scores of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Earlier in the day, Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley had also progressed, setting the stage for an exciting all-British third round match between Norrie and Fearnley.
In a contrasting performance, both Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal faced defeat in their second-round matches on the same day. Boulter fell to Madison Keys, losing 6-1, 6-3, while Kartal was defeated by Marie Bouzkova with scores of 6-1, 6-4. This exit followed Emma Raducanu’s elimination earlier in the tournament at the hands of Iga Swiatek.
Draper’s match against Monfils was a spectacle, showcasing his ability to handle the intense atmosphere created by a home crowd rallying behind the Frenchman. He exhibited skillful shot-making, which allowed him to take the first set 6-3. However, the momentum shifted in the second set when unforced errors crept into his game, allowing Monfils to clinch it 6-4.
In the third set, Draper regained his form and took control, winning 6-3 after breaking Monfils’s serve. The fourth set was highly contested, with Monfils showing resilience. Despite facing pressure and a lively crowd rooting for his opponent, Draper managed to break Monfils in crucial moments, ultimately serving out the match to win.
Post-match, Draper expressed respect for Monfils, acknowledging the challenge he posed and the enjoyment it brings to perform on such a prestigious stage. With this win, Draper will face Brazilian player Joao Fonseca in the next round, providing the prospect of another thrilling match.
Meanwhile, Norrie displayed solid performance against Federico Gomez, winning in straight sets after the Argentine struggled with injuries. Fearnley advanced after Humbert retired due to a fall during their match.
Boulter acknowledged her serving struggles against Keys and expressed her desire to improve, while Kartal’s exit came after a promising first-round win. The tournament continues to feature intense competition, with British players showing resilience despite the challenges faced by some.
As the French Open progresses, there’s a sense of optimism for the British contingent, particularly with Draper’s strong performance indicating potential for deeper runs in the tournament.