Paris, France – Jacques Draper is wary of the threat posing and predicted by Brazilian Wonderkid Joan Fonseca.
The 23-year-old draper booked the slot in the third round at Roland Garros after French veteran Garos overcome French veteran Gael Monphill 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 and 7-5 on Thursday evening.
It won a delicious match against 18-year-old Fonseca on Saturday.
The two will be handed over to Simone Matthew’s court, the third largest court here in Roland Garros, and will likely be stuffed. All week, fans have been waiting around the block to win seats to watch Fonseca, which has won thousands of fans in a groundbreaking year on the circuit.
Draper heads for his fourth round match as a favorite against the opponent he faced with the Indian Wells in March. The draper went through those 6-4, 6-0, but was forced to work for the victory.
“What he brings to the sport is incredible, because he’s someone who goes to the top of the game,” Draper said.
“I played a lot that day (at the Indian well) and I had to survive the storm in the first set.
“But I expect him to clearly know my game. Now he’s in court with me. He’s clearly playing really good things and keeps going up the rankings.
Draper believes Saturday’s match was the beginning of a burgeoning rivalry between the two young players.
“I think I’m going to play him a lot,” Britt said.
“I think we’ll see him well behind the draw. I think everyone can see his potential and how he plays… Some of the things that he comes out are, you know, very powerful, very dynamic players, very explosive.
“And obviously he’s a huge fan that brought him from Brazil, I think it’s great for the sport too. So yeah, I think I’ll play him for years, not just on Saturdays, and I’m looking forward to this challenge.”
Meanwhile, Draper’s performance against Monfils drew praise from seven-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe.
McEnroe told TNT Sport:
“And you see Jack Draper mature and playing better and better on the spot.
“I mean, it would be surprising if he didn’t score multiple majors. It’s incredible how much he’s improving and how great the player’s drapers are.”