John McEnroe makes audacious statement about Jack Draper after stirring French Open win

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Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 30/05/2025

- 10:54

The tennis legend described the British no 1 as 'incredible'

John McEnroe delivered huge praise for Jack Draper following the British star's thrilling victory over Gael Monfils at Roland Garros, boldly predicting the 23-year-old will claim multiple Grand Slam titles.

The tennis legend told TNT Sports he would be "surprised if he doesn't win multiple majors" after watching Draper secure his first third-round appearance at the French Open with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 triumph on Court Philippe-Chatrier.


"I tell you one thing, he won a lot of fans tonight with the way he played and the way he acted and the way he handled the whole situation," McEnroe said.

"It is incredible how much he's improving and how great a player he's become."

John McEnroe

Tennis legend John McEnroe said Jack Draper 'won a lot of fans' after his second round victory

Getty

McEnroe highlighted Draper's complete arsenal, declaring: "He can do everything."

The epic encounter unfolded in front of a raucous French crowd cheering on their 38-year-old hero Monfils, creating a hostile atmosphere for the British no 1.

Draper stormed into the third round of the clay court major for the first time in his career, marking a significant breakthrough at Roland Garros.

McEnroe described it as "one of those matches that you're proud to be a tennis player" whilst watching "these two guys digging that deep".

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\u200bJack Draper, Gael Monfils

Jack Draper beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5

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The match showcased both players at their finest, with McEnroe noting how he witnessed Draper "maturing, playing better and better on the spot" against an opponent "still moving unbelievably well" despite his veteran status.

The victory came on a poignant day for French tennis, following Richard Gasquet's career-ending defeat to world number one Jannik Sinner on the same court hours earlier.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion was particularly impressed by Draper's technical prowess, praising him as "an excellent volleyer" with a "huge" serve.

McEnroe couldn't resist commenting on the British player's physical condition, admitting he was "immediately jealous" when Draper removed his shirt, describing him as being in "unbelievable shape".

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The American legend emphasised Draper's rapid trajectory over recent months, having climbed into the world's top five after reaching the US Open semi-finals and claiming his first ATP Masters title at Indian Wells.

"I tell you, he's got a lot of big things to look forward to," McEnroe added, highlighting the 23-year-old's continued development and maturation on tennis's biggest stages.

Draper now faces an equally challenging test against exciting teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round, with McEnroe predicting another captivating encounter.

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Jack Draper

Jack Draper now faces Brazilian teenage Joao Fonseca in the third round

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"He's absolutely going to bring the flare, he's also going to bring a lot of fans with him so it'll be interesting to see where they put that match," McEnroe said of the young Brazilian.

The tennis legend warned that Draper may again face a hostile crowd, saying: "It might be a little bit annoying for Jack to have the crowd against him again but I think that's what's going to happen, especially if it's on a rather small court".

McEnroe described the potential clash as "box office" entertainment, adding: "You're going to see a lot of those two in the next 10 years."

Draper faces Fonseca in the third round at the Roland Garros on Saturday morning.