Jack Draper vs Gael Monfils LIVE: French Open scores and updates from late-night thriller
Draper held off the challenge of Monfils to reach the third round for the first time, winning 6-3 4-6 6-3 7-5
Jack Draper is through to the third round of the French Open after holding off the thrilling challenge of Gael Monfils and silencing the raucous Court Philippe-Chatrier to win a four-set classic.
The 38-year-old Monfils looked to be dragging Draper into a fifth set after breaking to lead 5-2, but the British No 1 dug deep to win the next five games in a row and seal a 6-3 4-6 6-3 7-5 victory at close to midnight local time in Paris. Up next for Draper in Paris? Rising 18-year-old star Joao Fonseca, who is also through to the French Open third round for the first time.
Elsewhere, Jacob Fearnley is through to the third round after opponent Ugo Humbert retired injured. Humbert, the 22nd seed, was hurt after falling over his ankle behind the baseline and Fearnley will play Cameron Norrie in an all-British third round clash.
Before then, British No 1 Katie Boulter was demolished by Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Boulter also won her first main draw match at Roland Garros on Tuesday but Keys, the Australian Open champion, was a step up in class.
Follow live scores from the French Open below
*Jack Draper 6-3 4-6 2-0 Gael Monfils - Draper breaks!
Monfils looks to still be recovering from that previous exchange! He double faults and then is left stranded by Draper’s drop shot. Monfils didn’t move. 0-40.
And Draper gets the break! Monfils pushes wide on the forehand. A big boost for Draper early in the third.
Jack Draper 6-3 4-6 1-0 Gael Monfils*
Draper urges himself to get going and shrugs off a double fault to take the hold, moving Monfils from side to side.
It’s a good tactic from Draper to try and tire Monfils out.
SECOND SET! *Jack Draper 6-3 4-6 Gael Monfils
Monfils goes for the serve and volley on 15-15 and cushions the ball into the open court.
Draper nets on the forehand return out wide - and it brings up two set points for Monfils!
Draper pulls his forehand wide and Monfils levels it up on Chatrier!
Jack Draper 6-3 4-5 Gael Monfils*
Draper asks the question... can Monfils close it out this time? As good as Draper has been, he would deserve it.
*Jack Draper 6-3 3-5 Gael Monfils - Draper breaks!
Draper gets the break back! With the new balls, he gets back some of that forehand speed, including a rocket of a forehand that scorched past Monfils, who had rather left the door open with a getable smash.
Jack Draper 6-3 2-5 Gael Monfils* - Monfils breaks!
Stunning from Monfils! He rips the forehand winner past Draper. An incredible game from the 38-year-old showman, who has Philippe-Chatrier rocking.
Draper was playing lights out 20 minutes ago but Monfils has turned it around and will serve for the second having opened up the double break!
*Jack Draper 6-3 2-4 Gael Monfils
It’s a Monfils special! He somehow reaches a Draper volley and scoops the forehand for a winner past the Briton.
Then Monfils does it again, he’s all over the net and reads the Draper pass to put the volley into open court. Monfils raises his arms and flashes that wide smile.
0-30.
*Jack Draper 6-3 2-4 Gael Monfils
Quite a different match now. Monfils thumps an ace, then thinks he has another - but it’s out.
Instead, Draper steps in and flashes the backhand winner crosscourt.
Monfils gets Draper chasing after his forehand. Draper pushes wide on the forehand and Monfils holds.
He has the momentum now..
Jack Draper 6-3 2-3 Gael Monfils* - Monfils breaks
Draper pushes a volley wide on the opening point and Monfils finds the forehand down the line to get to 30-30 and make it interesting.
Monfils locks in on the rally, then Draper blinks first as he pushes the forehand wide. Break point for Monfils...
Draper flashes the forehand winner onto the line! What a save.
But Monfils will have another chance as Draper nets.
And this time Draper can’t get out of trouble with a winner. He pushes long and Monfils breaks to lead!
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