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 in opposition to Fonseca, 18, on Saturday.
The 2 have been handed Courtroom Simone-Mathieu — the third largest courtroom right here at Roland Garros, and it’ll probably 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 12 months on the circuit.
Draper will head into their fourth spherical match as favorite in opposition to an opponent he confronted at Indian Wells in March. Draper got here by way of 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 mentioned.
“I performed effectively that day [in Indian Wells]. I needed to climate the storm within the first set, after which it turned fairly bodily.
“However I am going to anticipate him to clearly know my sport, now he is been on courtroom with me. He is clearly, since then, performed some actually great things and stored on rising up the rating. So it’s going to be a tricky problem, particularly on clay.”
Draper believes Saturday’s match might be the beginning of a burgeoning rivalry between the 2 younger gamers.
“I believe I’ll be enjoying him loads,” the Brit mentioned.
“I believe we’ll be seeing him loads in again ends of attracts. I believe everybody can see his potential and the way in which he performs… A number of the stuff he comes out with is you realize, 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 believe that is nice for the game as effectively. So I believe, yeah, I will be enjoying him a few years to come back, not simply on Saturday. And I stay up for the problem.”
In the meantime, Draper’s efficiency in opposition to Monfils drew admiration from seven-time Grand Slam-winner John McEnroe.
McEnroe informed TNT Sport: “You have a look at these two guys digging that deep, you are a man who’s 38 years previous in Monfils, that appears spent at instances, nonetheless transferring unbelievably effectively.
“And also you see Jack Draper maturing, enjoying 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 turn out to be.”
