How Jack Draper could land French Open title after 'clinical' Joao Fonseca win

Jack Draper was 'very clinical' in his 6-2 6-4 6-2 victory over Joao Fonseca – and is now has a genuine shot of winning the French Open.
The British tennis star has taken his game on clay to another level and next faces Alexander Bublik in the fourth round of singles at Roland-Garros.
Traditionally, British players have struggled on the red dirt and not even the legendary Andy Murray was able to land a French Open title in his career.
But with no Rafael Nadal to compete with, the path to Roland-Garros glory could be somewhat simpler for world No.5 Draper in Paris. Here's why…
Draper was at his very best in his straight-sets victory over Brazilian teenager Fonseca, who is tipped for a massive future in the sport.
'Jack Draper has been flawless,' former American tennis player Ryan Harrison said on commentary duties for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
'All the pressure [was] on Joao Fonseca since the word go. He [was] trying to change his positioning but it [seemed] like he is searching for answers.
'Draper has been very clinical. I'm so impressed with how Jack Draper [was] using that forehand down the line behind Fonseca.'
Draper will be a huge favourite in his next match at Roland-Garros, with the British No.1 set to face Kazakhstan's world No.62 Bublik.
The 23-year-old was previously on a collision course with Alex de Minaur but the Australian ninth-seed suffered a shock second-round exit to Bublik.
Draper has faced Bublik twice on the ATP Tour to date and won both of their meetings in straight sets, most recently in Adelaide last year.
This is where things start to get a little tricky for Draper. If he wins in the fourth round, as expected, he's projected for a quarter-final showdown with Jannik Sinner.
Analysis from Metro's dedicated tennis reporter Liam Grace…
Draper would surely be incredibly fired up for a quarter-final clash with Sinner at Roland-Garros.
The British star would be seeking revenge after Sinner eliminated him in the US Open semi-finals last year – one of the biggest matches of his career to date.
While Sinner is the world No.1, Draper would be facing the Italian at a really good time.
Sinner has impressed at this year's French Open – but he's only played one event in three months after his temporary ban from the sport.
Draper is remarkably fit – so if he is able to take the match into four or five sets – he'd surely have a key advantage over Sinner in Paris.
Sinner has previously lost to Draper – at Queen's Club four years ago in their only other meeting – which may give the Brit the confidence he needs to get the job done.
Should he battle past Sinner, Draper would then be set for a projectedclash with Novak Djokovic, 38, who despite his huge tally of 24 Grand Slam titles, has not been at his best in 2025 and clay is not his favoured surface.
A triumph over Djokovic would set up a possible French Open final against the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who Draper knows how to beat, having won two of their six meetings to date.
Draper secured a superb victory over Alcaraz at Indian Wells earlier this year before he went on the land the title at the prestigious tournament.
While Alcaraz would be the favourite – and won their most recent meeting in Rome – Draper is capable of beating him if he produces his best tennis.
Tennis legend John McEnroe has been left blown away by Draper's performances at the French Open this year and feels he could finish his career with a number of Grand Slam titles. More Trending
Speaking after Draper's impressive second-round win over Gael Monfils, McEnroe told TNT Sports: 'I tell you one thing, he won a lot of fans tonight with the way he played.
'It's one of those matches that you're proud to be a tennis player… You see Draper maturing, playing better and better on the spot.
'I mean, I'll be surprised if he doesn't win multiple majors. It is incredible how much he's improving and how great a player he's become.'
Former British No.1 Tim Henman added: 'There's no doubt that there are people ahead of him in terms of lists of favourites, but if he keeps playing like that, he is most definitely in the conversation [to win the French Open].'
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Daily Mail​

13 minutes ago

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The rise of football's Sirs: David Beckham joins prestigious list featuring Alex Ferguson and Gareth Southgate but who are the other 13 greats to be knighted?

David Beckham claimed that he 'never could have imagined' receiving the 'truly humbling honour' of a knighthood after he was finally named among the recipients in King Charles ' Birthday Honours list last week. The prize has eluded the former England captain for more than a decade having previously missed out when a 'red flag' from the taxman blocked him becoming a Sir in 2014. Leaked emails suggested he had savaged the nominations committee as 'unappreciative c***s' and branded their decision 'a disgrace', although his office subsequently insisted they had been doctored by a hacker. But that is now all behind the Inter Miami owner who is set to join the growing list of footballers to be crowned Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Those associated with the nation's favourite sport have seen their recognition skyrocket in the last two decades, having all but dried up in the 70s and 80s. However, with the feel-good factor now somewhat restored to the game in this country, Beckham might not be the last former pro to get the nod from the reigning monarch. Here, Mail Sport takes a look at the 15 men to have made at least one appearance in England's professional leagues to be knighted. Sir Charles Clegg, 1927 Clegg is widely considered to be the first recipient for services to football after being knighted by King George V in 1927, though his citation did not mention the sport. Clegg was a player and later became both the chairman and president of the FA. He is also credited as being one of the founders of Sheffield United and also served as chairman and president of Sheffield Wednesday. Clegg's remarkable resume in the game also includes his participation in the first-ever international match between England and Scotland in 1872. He was knighted for services to the Board of Trade and Ministry of Labour in the King's 1927 Birthday Honours list. Sir Hubert Ashton, 1959 It would take 32 years, after the country had recovered from the devastation of war and sport returned to it's place at the front of public consciousness, for another footballing knight was honoured. Though, Sir Hubert Ashton's association with the game appears to have had little bearing on his award. In a sporting context, Ashton is best known for his contribution to cricket, having played 71 first-class matches. Domestically he represented Cambridge University, Essex and Marylebone Cricket Club, while at international level he turned out for India, the country of his birth, as well as Burma. Ashton's sole Football League appearance came during the 1924-25 season when he played for Bristol Rovers against Reading. He later joined Clapton Orient, making five appearances, before signing for Gillingham, where he ended his footballing career to focus on cricket. After his playing days were done, Ashton first went into cricket administration before entering UK politics, where he was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament in 1950, a seat he would hold for the next three general elections. He was knighted for political and public services by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959. Sir Stanley Matthews, 1965 'The Wizard of the Dribble', Stanley Matthews is the only player to be knighted while still playing football, having already been crowned as the first winner of both the Ballon d'Or and the FWA Footballer of the Year. Matthew's skills on the pitch were legendary but it is perhaps his longevity that is best remembered today. He is the oldest player to play in England's top flight ( 50 years and five days) and the oldest to represent England (42 years and 104 days). Matthews spent the majority of his career at Stoke City and Blackpool and represented the Three Lions at two World Cups. 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Daily Mirror

20 minutes ago

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Liverpool's next signing accidentally 'confirmed' after Florian Wirtz's arrival

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Powys County Times

21 minutes ago

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Former England bowler David Lawrence dies aged 61 after MND battle

David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to play for England, has died at the age of 61. It was revealed almost exactly a year ago that Lawrence, who took 18 wickets in five Tests for England between 1988 and 1992, was the latest sportsperson to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The announcement was in the same month ex-England and Leeds rugby league great Rob Burrow died after a long battle with the incurable illness, which progressively damages parts of the nervous system. A statement from Lawrence's family given to the PA news agency said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' As well as his six outings for England – having played a lone ODI against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, collecting four for 67 – Lawrence bagged 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the county circuit, Lawrence began to establish himself in Tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards among his haul. Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time. — Gloucestershire Cricket 🏆 (@Gloscricket) June 22, 2025 But Lawrence's career all but ended the following year as he badly fractured his kneecap after falling awkwardly when running into bowl on the final day of a Test against New Zealand in Wellington. His England days were immediately over aged 28 but he made a brief county comeback in 1997, playing four first-class games for Gloucestershire before hanging up his boots – 16 years after he first played professionally. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After Lawrence detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021 and six months later he became the county's first black president. The county side posted on X: 'Gloucestershire are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and club president, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. 'Everyone at Gloucestershire would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time.' Following his MND diagnosis, there were emotional scenes when Gloucestershire went all the way in the T20 Blast last year, with captain James Bracey presenting the trophy to Lawrence at Edgbaston. Lawrence's family statement added: 'As president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. 'Syd's wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.' 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All of our thoughts are with David's family and friends during this difficult time. — England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 22, 2025 'His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.'