Jack Draper battled through a mentally taxing match against Gael Monfils at the French Open, admitting his “brain was fried” after the experience. The British number one secured a hard-fought victory against the French veteran in front of a roaring home crowd, reaching the third round of the tournament. This win marks a significant moment for British tennis, with three British men reaching the third round of the French Open for the first time since 1968.
A Rollercoaster Ride on Court Philippe Chatrier
Draper’s match against Monfils was anything but straightforward. The match, played under the lights on Court Philippe Chatrier, was filled with momentum shifts and dramatic moments. Draper started strong, taking the first set 6-3. However, Monfils, fueled by the energy of the Parisian crowd, fought back to win the second set 6-4. Draper regained his composure to win the third set 6-3, but the fourth set was a tense affair, with Monfils threatening to force a decider. Ultimately, Draper prevailed, closing out the match 7-5 in the fourth set.
Draper’s Post-Match Reflections
In his post-match interview, Draper acknowledged the immense challenge of playing against Monfils in such an atmosphere. “Bonsoir,” he began, addressing the crowd. “First off, I have to acknowledge Gael. It is my first time on this court. What a battle against someone I admire. He is a joker, he is a magician, he does everything. Huge respect to him. I hope he is able to play here one more time again in the future.” He further added, “This is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds and to play in matches like this whether the crowd are with me or against me, so thank you.”
Draper was candid about the mental strain of the match. “My brain was fried out here,” he admitted. “I’m not sure if I am going to go to sleep tonight because my brain is just all over the place with what he 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.” Despite the frustrations he felt during the match, Draper reminded himself why he puts in the hard work, “There were times where I was very frustrated, but I reminded myself that this is why I put in the hard work to play on courts like this in front of you guys. It is something I enjoyed while I was playing, even though it didn’t look like it.”
A Partisan Crowd and the Mental Game
Playing against a home favorite is never easy, and Draper faced a partisan crowd that was firmly behind Monfils. The crowd’s enthusiasm, while supportive of their player, added to the mental pressure on Draper. He acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with the crowd, noting that his errors were often cheered. However, he maintained his focus and composure, a testament to his growing mental strength. “It’s what I play for,” he said, emphasizing his ability to thrive in front of a loud audience, regardless of whether they are in his corner.
Mental Toughness: A Key to Draper’s Success
Draper’s ability to handle pressure and stay focused in crucial moments has been a significant factor in his recent success. He has spoken about the importance of mental preparation and positive self-talk in his game. Draper revealed that he starts his day with a daily affirmation, emphasizing the power of positive thinking in his career. “I’m a big believer that you can create your own reality, have good people around you, have good energy, accept the struggle and hard work,” he stated.
Draper’s coach, James Trotman, has also played a crucial role in developing his mental toughness. Trotman’s emphasis on mental strength has helped Draper overcome both physical and mental hurdles in his career. Draper’s commitment to continuous improvement and his willingness to learn from losses have further contributed to his mental fortitude. He sees challenges as opportunities for growth and maintains a positive mindset, which helps him stay confident on the court.
Monfils’ Bag of Tricks
Monfils, known for his unpredictable and entertaining style of play, kept Draper on his toes throughout the match. Draper described Monfils as “a joker, a magician,” highlighting his ability to do everything on the court. Monfils’ shot-making, combined with his flair for the dramatic, made for a challenging and mentally exhausting encounter for Draper. Monfils’ antics included grinning at the crowd after swatting away break points and looking apologetic after a lucky net cord.
The Physical Toll on Monfils
Despite his best efforts, the 38-year-old Monfils showed signs of fatigue as the match progressed. In the fourth set, he faced 13 break points, saving 11 of them before Draper finally converted. Monfils’ determination to stay in the match was evident, but the physical demands of the contest eventually took their toll.
British Success at Roland Garros
Draper’s victory, along with Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley also reaching the third round, marks a historic moment for British tennis. It is the first time since 1968 that three British men have reached this stage of the French Open. This achievement reflects the growing strength and depth of British men’s tennis.
Norrie and Fearnley’s Progress
Cameron Norrie secured his place in the third round with a straight-sets victory over Argentine qualifier Federico Gomez. Jacob Fearnley advanced after his opponent, Ugo Humbert, retired due to injury. Notably, Norrie and Fearnley are set to face each other in the third round, guaranteeing at least one British player in the fourth round.
Draper’s Journey and Ranking
Jack Draper, currently ranked at a career-high of number 5 in the world, has had a breakthrough season. He recently won his first ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells and reached the final of the Madrid Open. Draper’s improved fitness and mental toughness have been key factors in his rise up the rankings.
Overcoming Adversity
Draper has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including injuries and periods of self-doubt. He has credited his family, particularly his father, for guiding him through difficult times and helping him stay focused on his goals. Draper’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain a positive attitude has been instrumental in his success. “Tennis is quite an individual, lonely sport at times,” Draper acknowledged. “And I think sometimes, mentally, it can get quite difficult. But I see it all as a challenge.”
Looking Ahead: Draper vs. Fonseca
In the third round, Draper will face teenage Brazilian Joao Fonseca. Fonseca, a rising star in the tennis world, has impressed with his performances at Roland Garros, reaching the third round without dropping a set. Draper will need to be at his best to overcome Fonseca’s challenge and continue his run at the French Open.
Fonseca: A Rising Star
Fonseca’s breakthrough performance at Roland Garros has caught the attention of many. His aggressive playing style and confidence on the court make him a dangerous opponent. Draper will need to be prepared for a tough battle against the young Brazilian.
The Mental Game in Tennis
Draper’s experience against Monfils highlights the importance of the mental game in tennis. The ability to stay focused, handle pressure, and maintain composure in the face of adversity is crucial for success. Draper’s mental toughness, combined with his physical skills, has made him a formidable competitor on the court.
Affirmations and Self-Talk
Draper’s use of affirmations and positive self-talk demonstrates the power of the mind in achieving success. By focusing on his strengths and maintaining a positive attitude, Draper has been able to overcome challenges and reach new heights in his career. As Draper himself put it, “I suppose when I was 18 during lockdown, I went through some stuff mentallyā¦I’m a big believer that you can create your own reality, have good people around you, have good energy, accept the struggle and hard work.”
The Embrace
The match ended with a warm embrace between Draper and Monfils at the net, a moment that captured the respect and sportsmanship between the two players. Despite the intensity of the competition, both players acknowledged the quality of the match and the mutual admiration they share.
Conclusion
Jack Draper’s victory over Gael Monfils at the French Open was a testament to his mental toughness and resilience. In a match filled with drama and momentum shifts, Draper stayed focused and composed, securing a hard-fought win in front of a partisan crowd. His journey to the third round, along with the success of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley, marks a significant moment for British tennis. As Draper looks ahead to his next match against Joao Fonseca, he will draw on his mental strength and determination to continue his quest for success at Roland Garros.
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