Jack Draper Beats Gael Monfils in a Roland Garros Night Classic
Roland Garros
May 30, 2025
Jack Draper didn’t want to let go of Gael Monfils at the end of a night to remember. Their never-ending hug at the net said it all.
These extraordinary sporting gladiators had just left us all in awe during a battle that was ferocious, magical and respectful in equal measure.
Jack Draper and Gael Monfils just reminded us all what delights will be on offer during the summer nights at Wimbledon 2025.
‘Delicious,’ Monfils purred in appreciation of the young Londoner’s stroke-play. It was such an unusual in-match reaction that even his own camp laughed.
And yet with all the fun came frustration for the Frenchman that his flair didn’t take this classic tennis feast to a fifth course.
Monfils had two set points in the fourth. He had already led 5-2 as he shaped to take this epic encounter into a final set.
The match deserved it. The crowd demanded it. But Gael is pushing thirty-nine – and he finally ran out of steam.
To the dismay of an enchanted audience, it was the improving Brit who carried the day with his drop-shot brutality and relative youth.
Draper emerged from this beautiful tennis celebration the winner by an ordinary-looking score-line of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. But there was nothing ordinary about it.
Monfils had supplied the stardust with his smiles and sense of fun. Glorious Gael had taken us to a different sporting dimension.
The great entertainer had done himself proud on what could become his final Roland Garros bow. If so, what a way to go out.
This was special for everyone – and both players knew they had created something unique together.
At the end they laughed and cuddled almost like father and son. Different generations coming together in a common love for tennis.
Veteran player and commentator John McEnroe observed at the end: ‘That was the greatest hug I’ve ever seen on a tennis court.’
Jack Draper and Gael Monfils are set to delight the crowds at Wimbledon 2025 this summer too. There can only ever be one winner in singles tennis. This time it was the Englishman.
Draper said: ‘Bonsoir. First I have to acknowledge Gael. What a battle and what an experience against someone I admire on the tennis court.
‘Incredibly nice off the court, such a joker. He is a magician, he does everything. Huge respect to him. I hope he is able to play here one more time in the future.’
Saluting the crowd, Jack added: ‘I was playing against Gael and against you guys as well. No offence taken. This is why we play tennis. Thank you.’
Now Draper will have to recover from the mental and physical demands of this contest to be ready for another probable rollercoaster.
He has been drawn against Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca and his passionate following.
For now Jack admitted: ‘My brain was fried out here. I’m not sure whether I’m going to get to sleep tonight. My brain is all over the place with what he was doing to me out here.’
Jack Draper and Gael Monfils blew our minds with their thrills and spills. They’ll doubtless do the same at Wimbledon 2025.
And the Brits are on fire in Paris with Cameron Norrie also through to face his compatriot Jacob Fearnley in the next round. Imagine such domestic dust-ups in London in a few weeks!
Will you be on Centre Court to enjoy the drama at the spiritual home of tennis?
Give us a call and we’ll open the gates to Wimbledon 2025, the greatest tennis event on the calendar.