Jack Draper faces Gael Monfils tomorrow, in what is one of the outstanding round-two matches of the French Open.
It pits two heavyweights against one another, with bruising forehands and thunderous serving guaranteed.
And, the setting could not be more perfect, as they will face off during the night session at Philippe Chatrier.
There are so many factors that could play a role in deciding the eventual victor, and with all this context, two titans of American tennis have delivered their verdict.
Jack Draper vs Gael Monfils French Open predictions
Paul Annacone kickstarted the predictions, as he previewed one of the biggest clashes the second round has to offer.
Roger Federer’s former coach noted: ’Well the biggest thing is just the turnaround. In your late 30s, to play a match like this, this late. I believe he finished after midnight or thereabouts.
‘Yeah, he’s got a day off, but that’s a tough turnaround for him against a guy like Draper where you’re not going to get easy points so.
‘My heart says Monfils, my head says Draper.
Tracy Austin then chimed in: ‘Exactly. I think Draper is going to have too much firepower, the guy is so fit, big forehand, now is playing so well on clay. But I was really pleased, to go back to this match, to see Monfils close it out in the fifth. He was more physically fit than Dellien. That says a lot for a 38-year-old.’
Tim Henman has offered Draper advice on how to beat Monfils, but given his form he will want to just keep doing what he’s doing.
Jack Draper’s impressive 2025 so far
2025 has been a year of great progression for the 23-year-old, who continues to set new personal bests for himself.
He kickstarted his campaign in worrying fashion though, forced to retire from his fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz after losing the opening set. However, signs of his progression were obvious.
Jack Draper then converted that into tangible success, storming to the final in Qatar where he lost narrowly to Andrey Rublev.
It really felt like something was brewing, and that feeling was justified when the Brit triumphantly won his first-ever Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells. On his way to the title, he beat Joao Fonseca, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alcaraz and Holger Rune in a mesmeric run that shot him up the rankings.
Draper then threatened to repeat that feat in Madrid, but again fell at the final hurdle at the hands of Casper Ruud.
His clay-court preparation has been exemplary, and in beating Mattia Bellucci he won his first-ever French Open match at the third time of asking.
Now, with Monfils standing in his way, Draper will be seeking to continue his rampaging run of form to reach the third round.
