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• BBC
• Thu May 29 2025

Jack Draper ensured there will be three British men in the French Open third round for the first time since 1968 by seeing off home favourite Gael Monfils in a memorable late-night thriller.

With the Parisian crowd willing on 38-year-old Monfils, fifth seed Draper stayed focused and regrouped to win 6-3 4-6 6-3 7-5 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Former world number six Monfils threatened to force a decider in an absorbing contest - full of high-quality rallies and entertainment - but could not serve out at 5-3 or take two set points at 5-4.

Draper, 23, maintained his composure superbly to record the finest Roland Garros win of his fledgling career.

"My brain was fried out here," Draper said afterwards.

"I'm not sure if I am going to go to sleep tonight because my brain is just all over the place with what [Gael] was doing out here.

"That's why he has had such a successful career and is loved by all the fans. The players love to watch him play as well but not to play against him."