"This is why I put on the hard work, this why I play tennis": Jack Draper, thrilled after huge second round win against Monfils in Roland Garros

Britain's No. 1 Jack Draper came up with a huge win against France's favorite Gael Monfils. Draper managed to resists Monfils attempts to force a fifth, proving his courage and desire to win. He will be facing Brazilian young star, Joao Fonseca, in the third round, with the firm intention to secure his spot in Roland Garros' last week.

Jack Draper and Gael Monfils put on a late night show in court Philippe Chatrier. The young tennis superstar faced one of the most experienced players on the Tour and fan favorite, but had no mercy completing a solid four-set win to book his spot in the third round of the French Open. Monfils showed up as he always does, but fell short against Draper's superb execution and condition.

After the match, Draper was interviewed by former Roland Garros' champion Alex Corretja, where the British praised his 38-year-old opponent:

"I think I have to acknowledge Gael. My first time on this court and what and, uh, what about, or what an experience against someone, you know, I admire as a tennis player. But off the court the guy's incredibly nice. Uh, such a joker. He's a magician. He does everything man. So, um, honestly, a huge respect to him, um, and I hope he is able to play here one more time, again, in the future."

The 23-year-old was visibly exhausted after the amazing duel, but more than happy with the outcome, winning a very important match that fuels his confidence:

"This is was one of the toughests ones. So in these Grand Slams, I'm starting to play more and more obviously uh, playing guy like him against you guys [the crowd] as well. Um, no offense taken. Um, you know, this is why I played tennis, you know, to to play in front of big crowds to play in front of crowds, whether they're they're with me or against me. That's the the entertainment of tennis and that's why that's why we play. So thank you."

"I'm not sure if I'm going to go to sleep tonight because my brain is just all over the place with with what he was, " said Draper about Monfils' performance. "Uh what he was doing out here honestly. That's that's why he's had such a successful career. That's why he's loved by by all the fans. I think the players love to watch him play as well but not to not to play against him."

"Obviously, there were times I was very frustrated. But there were also times I reminded myself that this is why I put in the hard work to to play on courts like this, in front of you guys and play with players like Gael. So it was, um, something I enjoyed while I was playing, even though didn't look like it, " concluded the world's No. 5.