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 1-1 Gael Monfils*
A routine opening hold for Draper with his lefty serve clicking into gear. He holds to love as Monfils fires wide on the backhand return.
*Jack Draper 0-1 Gael Monfils
Draper thumps a wicked forehand winner past Monfils and into the backboard. Draper then finds good depth and Monfils commits a forehand error.
Break point: Monfils moves in to save with the forehand winner. We go to deuce.
Monfils serves out to hold.
DRAMA! Jacob Fearnley 6-3 3-4 Ugo Humbert
Huge drama as Ugo Humbert takes a tumble behind the baseline and appears to go over his right ankle. He is left lying flat on his back and tells the umpire he needs treatment on his ankle and calf.
He’s heading off court for a medical timeout!
Jack Draper 0-0 Gael Monfils*
Monfils won the toss and chose to serve.
*denotes next server
BREAK! Jacob Fearnley 6-3 3-4 Ugo Humbert
Some big moments on Simonne-Mathieu. Jacob Fearnley had a break point against Ugo Humbert at 3-2 in the second. The Frenchman saved, and then jumped into 0-40 on the Fearnley save. Humbert takes the third break point and edged ahead in the second set.
Jack Draper vs Gael Monfils
Here we go! The players are in the tunnel under Philippe-Chatrier. We’re almost ready to go.
Monfils is roared onto the court on Chatrier and the party atmosphere continues as Draper walks out. He will know who the crowd are backing tonight.
Jack Draper vs Gael Monfils head-to-head
Draper and Monfils have only played once before on tour: that was in 2022 at the ATP 1000 event in Canada, Draper was leading 6-2 0-2 before Monfils retired.
Draper, 23, will be playing on Court Philippe-Chatrier for the first time. Monfils, 38, has taken to this court many times, including two nights ago.
Gael Monfils praises Jack Draper ahead of French Open showdown
Gael Monfils overcame an injury scare and fought from two sets down to reach the French Open second round at the age of 38, and he spoke glowingly of his opponent Jack Draper.
“I always said Jack would be a top-10 player,” Monfils said. “Like he was a youngster, played a lot in the practice. I really like the kid. He's a fantastic player. He's top five.
“He has a lot of weapons, a lot of weapons. He's very gifted. It's going to be a hard one. He's in full confidence.
“I will do what I do best, try to recover and try to give my best there in Paris, in Roland Garros, and we'll see what scenario we will have.”
Jack Draper outlines his goals for the French Open
Speaking after his first-round win, Jack Draper outlined his hopes for the French Open and maintained he wants to go deep at Roland Garros despite his lack of experience at the tournament.
“I have always enjoyed the clay, I've always liked the clay, always felt like my game suits it,” Draper said.
“I know I haven't won a match here, but I'm coming here wanting to go deep in the tournament. I have the confidence and I have the belief I can do that.
“Obviously winning matches feels good, but my goals are much higher than that. It feels great. I'm really focused on hopefully going as deep as I can here.”
FIRST SET! Jacob Fearnley 6-3 Ugo Humbert
Wow! Well played Jacob Fearnley. The Scot has silenced Court Simonne-Mathieu by whipping a forehand winner onto the line to break Ugo Humbert and take the first set against the French 22nd seed 6-3.
Fearnley is playing in the French Open main draw for the first time and defeated former Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka in round one.
The winner of this match plays Cameron Norrie in round three!
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