French Open: Jack Draper advances after edging local hero Gael Monfils

Draper stormed in the third round of the clay court major for the first time in his career after a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

It was played in front of a raucous French crowd cheering on Monfils, with tennis legend John McEnroe telling the press that Draper is now emerging as a major contender to lift the biggest prizes in tennis.

"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," said McEnroe.

"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.

"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."

"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."

Draper paid tribute to Monfils after the match, as a sad day for French tennis ended with a defeat for one of their heroes after Richard Gasquet called time on his career after his defeat against world No 1 Jannik Sinner on the same court a few hours earlier.

"It was my first time on this court, but what an experience, what a battle against someone I admire as a tennis player," said Draper.

"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.

"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.

"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."

Draper will now play exciting teenager Joao Fonseca in his next match, with McEnroe predicting fireworks in that contest.

"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," added McEnroe.

"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."

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