Roland Garros 2025: Jack Draper & Jacob Fearnley complete historic British trio into third round
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There will be three British players in the third round of the men’s singles at Roland Garros for the first time 1968 as Jack Draper and Jacob Fearnley joined Cam Norrie with wins on day five in Paris.
British No.1 Draper booked his place in the third round for the first time after coming through a testing battle against French star Gael Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and 13 minutes.
Meanwhile, Fearnley progressed after 22nd seed Ugo Humbert was forced to retire with the Briton leaving 6-4, 4-4.
Fearnley will now play fellow Brit Norrie in the third round – the first time in the Open Era that two British players (men or women) have met outside the first round. Norrie knocked out Federico Gomez in straight sets.
Draper will be hoping to make it into the second week in Paris when he takes on Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca for a place in the fourth round.
Draper overcomes spirited Monfils in four sets
Fifth seed Draper had to show his mettle up against both Monfils and the French crowd to get over the line on his debut playing on Court Philippe Chatrier.
38-year-old Monfils gave absolutely everything, but Draper showed his quality to come back from 5-2 down in the fourth set to clinch the victory.
“First, I have to acknowledge Gael,” Draper said in his on court interview. “It is my first time on the court and what a battle against someone I admire as a tennis player but off the court the guy is incredibly nice. He’s a joker, he’s a magician, he does everything. Huge respect to him and I hope he’s able to play here one more time in the future.
“In these Grand Slams I’m starting to play more and more. This is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds whether they are with or against me, that’s the entertainment of tennis.”
Draper got off to a commanding start to the opening set and looked like he might run away with the match after a break in the third game.
Monfils went to five sets in Tuesday’s night session and got off to a slow start against the Brit, but the former world No.6 came back fighting throughout the rest of the match.
The French star rolled back the years, showing the trademark athleticism and flair that has made him such a fan favourite throughout his career.
Draper suffered an early setback in his opening round match against Mattia Bellucci and the Briton’s ability to respond to adversity has become a standout part of his game as he’s climbed into the world’s top five.
The British star – who won his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells this year – wrapped up the third set and looked to be on top in the fourth but failed to capitalise on 10 break points in the opening seven games and instead found himself 5-2 down.
It seemed that they would be heading into a fifth, but Monfils kept having to take longer breaks in between points to recover. Once he got that decisive break back, the Brit’s superior energy and physicality gave him the edge down the stretch.
Draper went on to reel off five straight games, punching away a forehand winner on his first match point to bring an end to an entertaining battle.
Fearnley sets up Norrie clash
This year, Fearnley is playing on clay for the first time since his time in the juniors and has made a clear statement that he can mix with the best on the surface.
“It’s very exciting, I didn’t expect to be in this position so to be in the third round is great news for me and my team,” Fearnley told TNT Sports.
“I was really enjoying playing the tennis out there. Not the way I wanted to win though, I hope Ugo is okay and that he recovers quick.
“I know Cam very well. We both went to TCU in America. We didn't cross paths there. He's someone that I looked up to as a British tennis player. I’ve practiced with him a lot and our teams know each other very well.”
Despite making his debut at Roland Garros this year, it was Fearnley who looked the more solid and assured of the two in the opening set.
The British star broke three times in the opening set – closing out the set after a brace of double faults from the Frenchman, followed by a laser forehand down the line winner.
Humbert had to dig out a tough, lengthy hold at the start of the second set, which seemed to spark him and the French crowd into life.
The 22nd seed started to build some momentum and finally managed to edge ahead to a 4-3 lead, but before Humbert could consolidate the break, the Frenchman fell pushing off his left foot and immediately called for the trainer complaining of an issue with his calf and ankle.
He returned to try and play on but after losing his service game and being unable to move on the return, he was forced to retire.
