In a pulsating late-night showdown on May 29, 2025, Jack Draper, Britain’s No. 1 and the world No. 5, delivered a performance of grit and brilliance to defeat French showman Gael Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the second round of the French Open. Played under the floodlights of Court Philippe-Chatrier, the three-hour, five-minute battle captivated the raucous Parisian crowd, who rallied behind their 38-year-old hero. Draper’s victory, sealed just before midnight, marked his first third-round appearance at Roland Garros and ensured three British men—Draper, Cameron Norrie, and Jacob Fearnley—reached this stage for the first time since 1968, a historic milestone in the Open Era. The match, a rollercoaster of high-octane rallies and dramatic momentum swings, showcased Draper’s growing maturity and Monfils’ enduring magic, culminating in a heartfelt embrace at the net that captured the spirit of the contest.
Draper, 23, arrived in Paris riding a wave of form, having won his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and reached finals in Qatar and Madrid earlier in 2025. His first-round win over Mattia Bellucci, a four-set comeback, was his maiden victory at Roland Garros after previous early exits. Against Monfils, a former world No. 6 known for his acrobatic flair, Draper faced a formidable challenge. The Frenchman, fresh off a heroic five-set comeback against Hugo Dellien, ignited the crowd with his trademark theatrics, including a double-bounce net-cord save that drew gasps. “My brain was fried out here,” Draper admitted post-match. “I’m not sure if I’m gonna go to sleep tonight because my brain is just all over the place with what [Gael] was doing out there.” Yet, he thrived in the hostile atmosphere, saying, “This is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds, whether they are with me or against me.”
The match began with Draper asserting dominance, breaking early in the first set with a 75% first-serve rate and 14 winners to clinch it 6-3. Monfils, however, roared back in the second, capitalizing on Draper’s errors to break twice and win 6-4, his defensive play and 200 km/h serves frustrating the Brit. “Every point was hard,” Monfils reflected, noting his strong returns. Draper regained control in the third set, breaking early for a 3-0 lead and closing 6-3 with precise drop shots—10 winners to Monfils’ zero. The fourth set was a thriller. Monfils, despite visible fatigue and a limping knee, surged to a 5-2 lead, earning two set points at 5-4. Draper, showing the resilience honed from three five-set wins at the Australian Open, saved both with clutch aces and rallied to win five straight games, sealing the match with a cross-court smash at 11:44 PM.
The crowd’s boos, particularly after Draper’s drop shots and a frustrated outburst at his player box, tested his mental fortitude. “There were times I was very frustrated, but I reminded myself that this is why I put in the hard work, to play on courts like this,” he said. Monfils, ever gracious, praised his opponent: “I love this player. I love the way he plays.” Their emotional embrace at the net, described as “not even a handshake,” reflected mutual respect. “What an experience, what a battle against someone I admire,” Draper added, calling Monfils “a joker, a magician.”
Draper’s victory sets up a third-round clash with 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca on May 31, 2025, a match pitting youth against youth. Monfils, who left to a standing ovation, may have played his final Roland Garros match, but his legacy endures. “I hope he makes it back here one more time,” Draper said, echoing fans’ sentiments. With a 10-3 clay record in 2025 and a 23-6 overall season, Draper’s performance signals his readiness for deeper Grand Slam runs, cementing his status as a rising star.
# Jack Draper Conquers Gael Monfils and Roaring Crowd in French Open Night Session Epic
## Historic British Milestone
Jack Draper, the No. 5 seed, defeated Gael Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 on May 29, 2025, reaching the French Open third round for the first time. His win, alongside Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley, marks the first time since 1968 that three British men have advanced this far.
## A Thrilling Battle
Draper broke early to take the first set 6-3, but Monfils rallied, winning the second 6-4 with two breaks. “Every point was hard,” Monfils said. Draper’s 10 drop-shot winners and a 6-3 third set regained momentum. In a dramatic fourth, Monfils led 5-2, but Draper saved two set points and won five straight games, sealing victory at 11:44 PM.
## Crowd and Mental Challenge
Facing a hostile crowd, Draper endured boos but stayed focused. “My brain was fried out here,” he said, adding, “This is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds.” His composure shone, especially after Monfils’ net-cord save and 200 km/h serves.
## Mutual Respect
The players shared a heartfelt embrace. “What an experience, what a battle against someone I admire,” Draper said, calling Monfils “a magician.” Monfils replied, “I love this player.” Draper’s 75% first-serve rate and 14 winners in the first set underscored his dominance.
## Looking Ahead
Draper faces Joao Fonseca on May 31, with a 10-3 clay record in 2025. “I hope [Monfils] makes it back here one more time,” he said, as the Frenchman, 38, left to a standing ovation, possibly in his final Roland Garros match.
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