Jack Draper’s gritty triumph over crowd favorite Gael Monfils at Roland Garros turned more than just a few heads — it had tennis legend John McEnroe singing his praises with unrestrained enthusiasm. Under the searing spotlight of Court Philippe-Chatrier and the echoing roars of a partisan Parisian crowd, Draper etched his name into the third round of the French Open for the first time in his young career.
The 22-year-old Brit navigated a high-octane, emotionally charged battle with experience far beyond his years, sealing a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory. For Draper, this wasn’t just another win — it was a defining moment, an arrival under fire.
McEnroe, never shy in calling it as he sees it, offered glowing commentary while speaking to TNT Sports. Witnessing Draper’s resolve in hostile territory, the former world No. 1 didn’t hold back.
“I tell you one thing, he won a lot of fans tonight with the way he played and the way he acted and the way he handled the whole situation,” McEnroe remarked, highlighting Draper’s composure in adversity.
The match itself felt like a throwback duel — one that showcased athletic artistry and mental fortitude in equal measure. At 38, Monfils turned back the clock with bursts of brilliance, refusing to fade quietly into the night. But Draper, rising to the occasion, met every challenge with bold stroke play and unflinching focus.
“It’s one of those matches that you’re proud to be a tennis player. You look back at these two guys digging that deep, you’re looking at a guy 38 years old that is still moving unbelievably well, and you see Jack Draper maturing, playing better and better on the spot,” said McEnroe, who continued to marvel at the Brit’s development.
“I mean, I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t win multiple majors. It is incredible how much he’s improving and how great a player he’s become.”
While many young players take years to round out their all-court game, Draper seems to already have the toolkit. His booming serve, touch at the net, and tireless physical conditioning left McEnroe thoroughly impressed.
“He can do everything. He’s an excellent volleyer, the serve is huge. He took his shirt off and I was immediately jealous. The guy is in unbelievable shape. I tell you, he’s got a lot of big things to look forward to.”
Following the match, Draper’s words were soaked in emotion and respect. Despite being on the winning side, the Brit took time to salute the legendary Monfils — who, on a day of sentiment for French tennis, followed compatriot Richard Gasquet in possibly bidding farewell to the Roland Garros faithful.
“It was my first time on this court, but what an experience, what a battle against someone I admire as a tennis player,” Draper said, paying homage to his charismatic opponent.
“Off the court, the guy is so nice. He’s a joker, he’s a magician, I hope he makes it back here one more time.”
Indeed, the court crackled with energy — not just from the physicality of rallies, but from the magnetic charisma of Monfils, whose flair turned the clay into a theatre. Draper, clearly affected by the intensity, admitted the match pushed him to the edge.
“I’ve played some tough ones in Grand Slams. Playing Gael and you guys as well, this is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds, whether they are with me or against me.
“My brain was fried out here. I’m not sure if I’m going to sleep tonight because of what he was doing out here. That’s why the players love him, not to play against him.”
Even as emotions flared, Draper found clarity in the chaos, using the occasion to fuel his performance rather than fold under pressure.
“There were times I was frustrated but there were times I reminded myself this is why I put in the work, to play on courts like this and with players like Gael who get the best out of me. I enjoyed it even though it maybe didn’t look like it.
“It was special to be a part of tonight. Massive respect to Gael on and off the court, what he brings. He makes it so tough. But I was happy with how I competed in a really tough environment.”
With that hard-fought win in his pocket, Draper now shifts focus to the next challenge — a fourth-round showdown with rising teenage sensation Joao Fonseca. It promises to be a generational clash between explosive talent and youthful exuberance.
McEnroe, never one to understate the drama, is already bracing for a box-office showdown.
“He’s absolutely going to bring the flare, he’s also going to bring a lot of fans with him so it’ll be interesting to see where they put that match,” he said of Fonseca, noting the logistical challenge of staging such a spectacle.
“It might be a little bit annoying for Jack to have the crowd against him again but I think that’s what’s going to happen, especially if it’s on a rather small court, so he’s going to have to rebound quickly.
“I doubt that will be a night match, but it certainly could be because that’s box office for us. You’re going to see a lot of those two in the next 10 years.”
With momentum building and big names backing him, Draper stands at the edge of a breakthrough. The clay may be unpredictable, but his trajectory looks more and more like a champion’s path in the making.