The red clay of Roland Garros is once again the battleground for tennis’s brightest stars, and in the 2025 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz is proving why he’s the reigning champion. The 22-year-old Spaniard powered into the third round with a commanding 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, but it was his post-match comments about British No. 1 Jack Draper that sparked intrigue. As Alcaraz prepares for a blockbuster third-round clash, he didn’t shy away from praising his upcoming opponent, calling Draper “really dangerous” and a formidable force when healthy. “He is very dangerous. His level is very high and he is one of the best players in the world when healthy,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on their rivalry, which includes a dramatic Australian Open encounter earlier this year where Draper retired due to injury.
Alcaraz’s victory over Marozsan showcased his clay-court mastery, blending ferocious forehands with delicate drop shots to secure his 20th French Open win in just 23 matches. Despite a second-set lapse where Marozsan’s aggressive play briefly disrupted his rhythm, Alcaraz’s resilience shone through, breaking his opponent eight times. “I started pretty well, the first set I had a really high confidence,” he told Mats Wilander on court. “The second set, he started to play much better, really aggressively… But really happy to stay strong.” His 15-1 clay record in 2025, bolstered by titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, positions him as the man to beat. Yet, Alcaraz knows the challenge awaiting him in Draper, a player whose explosive game has made their head-to-head battles must-watch affairs.
Draper, the 23-year-old world No. 5, has emerged as one of tennis’s most dynamic talents, with a breakout 2025 season that includes a Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and a Madrid Open final appearance. His first-round win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci marked his maiden Roland Garros victory, a significant milestone on a surface where he’s historically struggled. Alcaraz, who leads their head-to-head 4-2, acknowledged Draper’s growth, particularly after their latest clash in Rome, where Alcaraz won 6-4, 6-4. “I’m glad and excited to face him again as he had to retire at the Australian Open against me,” he added, recalling their January 2025 meeting where Draper, hampered by hip tendinitis, retired trailing 7-5, 6-1.[](https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/australian-open/news/2025-jack-draper-retires-in-fourth-round-match-against-carlos-alcaraz/)
The Briton’s journey has been marred by injuries, with eight retirements since his 2021 ATP debut, including a shoulder issue at the 2023 French Open. Yet, Draper’s durability has improved, as evidenced by his grueling five-set wins at the Australian Open. “I give my absolute all for every match,” Draper said after that tournament, emphasizing his commitment to smart decisions to avoid long-term injury. Alcaraz, who has only retired once since October 2022, respects Draper’s tenacity. Their upcoming match, their first on clay, promises a tactical chess game, with Alcaraz’s all-court brilliance facing Draper’s powerful forehand and newfound clay-court confidence.[](https://www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/australian-open/news/2025-jack-draper-retires-in-fourth-round-match-against-carlos-alcaraz/)
“Draper is a different beast these days,” analysts have noted, pointing to his work with Andy Murray’s former fitness trainer Matt Little and physio Shane Annun, which has elevated his physicality. Alcaraz, aware of the threat, emphasized his own approach: “I was doing the things which make me happy on court—trying to play aggressive, hitting good shots, drop shots, go to the net. That’s what I like to do and that made the difference.” His ability to dictate rallies, as seen in Rome where he saved six of eight break points, will be key against Draper, who generated break points in six of Alcaraz’s ten service games in that match.[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/live/c4g2l7jvy5jt)[](https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13367736/italian-open-jack-draper-defeated-by-carlos-alcaraz-in-quarter-finals-in-rome)
As the French Open heats up, this third-round showdown is a pivotal moment for both players. For Alcaraz, it’s a chance to solidify his clay dominance and march toward a fifth Grand Slam title. For Draper, it’s an opportunity to prove he can challenge the elite on their strongest surface. “It’s going to be an incredible match,” Draper said before their Australian Open clash, a sentiment that resonates now as he aims to upset the Spaniard in Paris. With the tennis world watching, this battle of young titans could redefine their rivalry and set the tone for the tournament’s later stages.[](https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13290698/jack-draper-to-meet-carlos-alcaraz-in-australian-open-fourth-round-after-beating-aleksandar-vukic-in-another-five-set-thriller)
# Carlos Alcaraz Praises ‘Really Dangerous’ Jack Draper Ahead of French Open Clash
The red clay of Roland Garros is once again the battleground for tennis’s brightest stars, and in the 2025 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz is proving why he’s the reigning champion. The 22-year-old Spaniard powered into the third round with a commanding 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, but it was his post-match comments about British No. 1 Jack Draper that sparked intrigue. As Alcaraz prepares for a blockbuster third-round clash, he didn’t shy away from praising his upcoming opponent, calling Draper “really dangerous” and a formidable force when healthy. “He is very dangerous. His level is very high and he is one of the best players in the world when healthy,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on their rivalry, which includes a dramatic Australian Open encounter earlier this year where Draper retired due to injury.
Alcaraz’s victory over Marozsan showcased his clay-court mastery, blending ferocious forehands with delicate drop shots to secure his 20th French Open win in just 23 matches. Despite a second-set lapse where Marozsan’s aggressive play briefly disrupted his rhythm, Alcaraz’s resilience shone through, breaking his opponent eight times. “I started pretty well, the first set I had a really high confidence,” he told Mats Wilander on court. “The second set, he started to play much better, really aggressively… But really happy to stay strong.” His 15-1 clay record in 2025, bolstered by titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, positions him as the man to beat. Yet, Alcaraz knows the challenge awaiting him in Draper, a player whose explosive game has made their head-to-head battles must-watch affairs.
Draper, the 23-year-old world No. 5, has emerged as one of tennis’s most dynamic talents, with a breakout 2025 season that includes a Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells and a Madrid Open final appearance. His first-round win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci marked his maiden Roland Garros victory, a significant milestone on a surface where he’s historically struggled. Alcaraz, who leads their head-to-head 4-2, acknowledged Draper’s growth, particularly after their latest clash in Rome, where Alcaraz won 6-4, 6-4. “I’m glad and excited to face him again as he had to retire at the Australian Open against me,” he added, recalling their January 2025 meeting where Draper, hampered by hip tendinitis, retired trailing 7-5, 6-1.
The Briton’s journey has been marred by injuries, with eight retirements since his 2021 ATP debut, including a shoulder issue at the 2023 French Open. Yet, Draper’s durability has improved, as evidenced by his grueling five-set wins at the Australian Open. “I give my absolute all for every match,” Draper said after that tournament, emphasizing his commitment to smart decisions to avoid long-term injury. Alcaraz, who has only retired once since October 2022, respects Draper’s tenacity. Their upcoming match, their first on clay, promises a tactical chess game, with Alcaraz’s all-court brilliance facing Draper’s powerful forehand and newfound clay-court confidence.
“Draper is a different beast these days,” analysts have noted, pointing to his work with Andy Murray’s former fitness trainer Matt Little and physio Shane Annun, which has elevated his physicality. Alcaraz, aware of the threat, emphasized his own approach: “I was doing the things which make me happy on court—trying to play aggressive, hitting good shots, drop shots, go to the net. That’s what I like to do and that made the difference.” His ability to dictate rallies, as seen in Rome where he saved six of eight break points, will be key against Draper, who generated break points in six of Alcaraz’s ten service games in that match.
As the French Open heats up, this third-round showdown is a pivotal moment for both players. For Alcaraz, it’s a chance to solidify his clay dominance and march toward a fifth Grand Slam title. For Draper, it’s an opportunity to prove he can challenge the elite on their strongest surface. “It’s going to be an incredible match,” Draper said before their Australian Open clash, a sentiment that resonates now as he aims to upset the Spaniard in Paris. With the tennis world watching, this battle of young titans could redefine their rivalry and set the tone for the tournament’s later stages.
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