PARIS, France — Jack Draper is cautious of the threats Brazilian wonderkid João Fonseca poses and predicts Saturday’s third spherical French Open match might be the beginning of a rivalry between the younger prodigies.
Draper, 23, booked his slot within the third spherical at Roland Garros after overcoming French veteran Gael Monfils in 4 units 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday night.
That win tees up a mouthwatering match towards Fonseca, 18, on Saturday.
The 2 have been handed Courtroom Simone-Mathieu — the third greatest courtroom right here at Roland Garros, and it’ll seemingly be packed. All week followers have been queuing across the block to get a seat to observe Fonseca who has gained 1000’s of followers in his breakthrough yr on the circuit.
Draper will head into their fourth spherical match as favorite towards an opponent he confronted at Indian Wells in March. Draper got here via that 6-4, 6-0, however was made to work for the victory.
“It is unimaginable what he what he brings to the game, and he deserves that as effectively, as a result of he’s somebody who’s going to the highest of the sport,” Draper stated.
“I performed effectively that day [in Indian Wells]. I needed to climate the storm within the first set, after which it grew to become fairly bodily.
“However I will count on him to clearly know my sport, now he is been on courtroom with me. He is clearly, since then, performed some actually good things and stored on rising up the rating. So it’s going to be a troublesome problem, particularly on clay.”
Draper believes Saturday’s match might be the beginning of a burgeoning rivalry between the 2 younger gamers.
“I feel I will be taking part in him loads,” the Brit stated.
“I feel we’ll be seeing him loads in again ends of attracts. I feel everybody can see his potential and the best way he performs… Among the stuff he comes out with is , very highly effective, [he’s] very dynamic participant, very explosive. And that is what’s drawn lots of people to observe him.
“And clearly the large fan base he brings from Brazil, I feel that is nice for the game as effectively. So I feel, yeah, I will be taking part in him a few years to return, not simply on Saturday. And I look ahead to the problem.”
In the meantime, Draper’s efficiency towards Monfils drew admiration from seven-time Grand Slam-winner John McEnroe.
McEnroe advised TNT Sport: “You have a look at these two guys digging that deep, you are a man who’s 38 years outdated in Monfils, that appears spent at occasions, nonetheless transferring unbelievably effectively.
“And also you see Jack Draper maturing, taking part in higher and higher on the spot.
“I imply, I would be shocked if he would not win a number of majors, it’s unimaginable how a lot he is bettering and the way nice a participant Draper has change into.”