Draper vs Monfils LIVE: French Open scores and updates from late-night thriller

Jack Draper with a quick word to TNT Sport:

“It was special to be a part of tonight. Massive respect to Gael on and off the court, what he brings. He makes it so tough. But I was happy with how I competed in a really tough environment.”

“Bon soir,” Draper begins. “First off, Gael, yes it was my first time on this court, but what an experience, what a battle against someone I admire as a tennis player. Off the court, the guy is so nice. He’s a joker, he’s a magician, I hope he makes it back here one more time.

“I’ve played some tough ones in grand slams. Playing Gael and you guys as well, this is why I play tennis, to play in front of big crowds, whether they are with me or against me.

“My brain was fried out here. I’m not sure if I’m going to sleep tonight because of what he was doing out here. That’s why the players love him, not to play against him.

“There were times I was frustrated but there were times I reminded myself this is why I put in the work, to play on courts like this and with players like Gael who get the best out of me. I enjoyed it even though it maybe didn’t look like it.”

Up next for Draper? The rising 18-year-old star from Brazil, Joao Fonseca, who is through to the third round of a grand slam for the first time. That should be a lot of fun too, and will be played on Saturday.

Could this be the last time Gael Monfils takes to Court Philippe-Chatrier? I hope not. But he will be 39 when he is back next year.

The Frenchman still has so much to give to the game.

Ah what a handshake this is. It’s not even a handshake. Draper and Monfils fall into each other’s arms at the net. Great respect between the players, befitting of the contest we have just seen! So much fun, so much quality.

What does Monfils have left in the tank? He finds a backhand winner but then pushes long.

First serve lands in from Draper and Monfils goes long on the return! Has the fight left him?

One more point for Draper. HE LANDS THE FOREHAND WINNER! DRAPER IS THROUGH!

Monfils is limping now. Draper forces another break point, as Monfils is caught by the bounce of the ball.

DRAPER FINDS A HUGE FOREHAND! It lands inside the line and Draper breaks to edge ahead!

6-5 in the fourth and he’ll serve for the third round!

Incredible from Draper! He moves into the net behind the forehand and lands a soft volley over the net.

Break point: Monfils goes huge behind the serve and inside-out forehand! That’s 11/12 saved in this set.

Monfils goes big again, Draper soaks it up but then switches to the drop shot and catches Monfils out.

Again, Monfils is needing to catch his breath. Deuce.

What next? Monfils goes on the attack and brings up two set points! He pushes Draper back and Draper is left gasping as he nets.

ACE from Draper. One saved. And the other one! Clutch from Draper. He defends the net and is there as Monfils looked to nudge the volley down the line.

Two sets points saved and back to deuce.

ACE Draper! Four points in a row from 15-40 down and he levels at 5-5!

Monfils painted the lines with winners on the first two points, then makes two errors.

On 30-30, Monfils nets! Draper gets one more break point to stay alive in this set.

BRILLIANT DEFENCE FROM DRAPER! And on the 11th break point of the set, Draper takes the most important one to stay alive.