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Over the past year, Draper has developed into a leading player who has genuine ambitions of landing the biggest prizes in the sport.<\/p>\n
The Englishman, 23, has negotiated a number of tricky situations in recent months and the way he overcame Monfils was another example of his growing maturity.<\/p>\n
After two chastening previous experiences on the Paris clay, Draper has returned with a point to prove.<\/p>\n
Patience was required as he battled from a set down against Italian opponent Mattia Bellucci on Tuesday to earn his first career win at Roland Garros.<\/p>\n
It was a similar theme against the popular Monfils, who has the ability to whip up the crowd with his entertaining shot-making and infectious character.<\/p>\n
The French fans have a reputation for being boisterous and, with one of their favourite sons playing in the twilight of his career, created an energetic atmosphere which Draper had to block out.<\/p>\n
Crucially, he remained calm for the majority of the entertaining contest.<\/p>\n
Despite having his errors enthusiastically cheered, and spectators being implored to stop shouting out, Draper stayed locked in to retake the lead after Monfils levelled.<\/p>\n
Signs of agitation did begin to show in the fourth set. <\/p>\n
An outburst towards his box released some tension – and drew whistles from the home fans – but could not prevent Draper from losing serve for 4-2.<\/p>\n
After not converting four break-back points in a 13-minute seventh game, Draper took his chance in the ninth – but the drama continued as Monfils had two set points in the 10th. <\/p>\n
Draper, though, is a different beast these days.<\/p>\n
Having won three consecutive five-setters at the Australian Open in January, he proved again how he can successfully come through moments of adversity deep into Grand Slam matches – even though he avoided a decider this time.<\/p>\n
Keeping his cool, Draper won the final five games of the match to seal a three-hour victory at 11:44pm local time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n