Draper into French Open third round after thriller

When Jack Draper and Gael Monfils met at the net at the end of their epic late-night French Open battle, they fell into each other's arms.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

They had put on a dazzling show. The thrilling Monfils, ever the entertainer, rose to the challenge and had the home fans pleading for more. With a fifth set beckoning, Draper dug deep. He won the final four games in a row to win a classic, 6-3 4-6 6-3 7-5.

Not bad for your debut on Court Philippe-Chatrier, silencing the raucous crowd just as the 38-year-old Monfils whipped them into a frenzy. “It was special to be a part of tonight,” Draper told TNT Sports. “Massive respect to Gael on and off the court, for what he brings. He makes it so tough. But I was happy with how I competed in a really tough environment.”

It should have gone to a fifth. Monfils came out swinging, repelling Draper at every turn, and then breaking the British No 1. When Monfils saved five break points to lead 5-2, requiring a double bounce off the net-cord to stay ahead, it seemed as if the veteran Frenchman would go fighting late into the night. He had delved deep into the box of tricks, moving superbly, and was in inspired form. “A great night. A great match,” said Monfils.