Jack Draper secured a historic achievement for British tennis by defeating home favourite Gael Monfils 6-3 4-6 6-3 7-5 in a thrilling late-night encounter at Roland Garros.
The victory ensured three British men reached the French Open third round for the first time since 1968.
The fifth seed faced a hostile Parisian crowd willing on the 38-year-old Monfils throughout the absorbing contest.
World number six Monfils threatened to force a decider and had two set points at 5-4 in the fourth set, but could not serve out at 5-3.
Jack Draper faced a hostile crowd at Roland Garros but emerged victorious
Reuters
The British number one admitted the match had taken its toll mentally, saying: "This is why I play tennis. To play in front of big crowds.
"My brain is fried. Not sure I will sleep tonight. My brain is all over the place from what he was doing to me out there."
Draper maintained his composure superbly to turn these pivotal moments in his favour, recording the finest Roland Garros win of his fledgling career after three hours and 11 minutes.
Jacob Fearnley progressed to the third round when his French opponent Ugo Humbert retired following a nasty fall.
The 23-year-old, who replaced Norrie as the British number two earlier this year, was leading 6-3 4-4 when 22nd seed Humbert quit.
Cameron Norrie booked his place earlier on Thursday with a commanding 7-6 (9-7) 6-2 6-1 victory over Argentine qualifier Federico Gomez.
The 29-year-old's straight-sets triumph demonstrated his experience on the clay courts.
British tennis is now guaranteed to have a man into the second week in Paris for the first time since Andy Murray in 2017, with the all-British clash between Fearnley and Norrie ensuring continued representation.
The upcoming clash between Fearnley and Norrie will mark the first time in the Open era that two British players have met beyond the first round in Paris.
The Open era began in 1968 when professionalism was ushered into tennis.
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Gael Monfils had the home advantage but their late-night French Open clash ended Jack Draper's way
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Fearnley, who has emerged as Britain's new number two this year, will face the more experienced Norrie in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.
The match guarantees British representation in the fourth round, ensuring continued success for the nation's tennis programme.
This historic achievement represents a remarkable resurgence for British men's tennis at Roland Garros.
The all-British meeting will take place with both players knowing they have already secured their best-ever French Open performances.
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Draper's post-match reaction reflected the intensity of the encounter against the French showman.
"What a battle and what an experience. I have to acknowledge Gael - he is such a nice guy off the court. He is a magician. Honestly, huge respect to him. And no offence from the crowd," Draper said.
Draper now faces teenage Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca in Saturday's third round showdown.
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