'It's gonna be scary': Jack Draper highlights Joao Fonseca's bright future in tennis

Jack Draper spoke about Joao Fonseca's potential after defeating him in the third round of the French Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory. The world No. 5 said that what the Brazilian teenager is capable of achieving is "gonna be scary."

This was the second encounter between Fonseca and Draper, and again the Brit had no trouble curbing the Brazilian's momentum. They had previously met in the second round of Indian Wells, where Draper won easily (6-4, 6-0) en route to the title. This time, Fonseca was again outplayed, but he still came away with good feelings after the tournament.

The Brazilian reached the third round of Roland Garros for the first time and continues to climb the rankings. Fonseca defeated Hubert Hurkacz (30th) and Pierre-Hugues Herbert, both in straight sets, securing his best-ever ranking as world No. 56 after the tournament (he could drop one spot if Cameron Norrie defeats Novak Djokovic in the fourth round).

After the match, Draper commented on the potential he saw in his young opponent and whether he believes Fonseca still has room to reach his best level. "I think it’s obviously physically more difficult in the Grand Slams as well. He reached the 3rd round. How old is he… 18? That’s pretty impressive," Draper stated.

"I’m 23, so that’s 5 years... he just needs time. He’s already top 50 in the world. He’s doing incredible things. His experience and everything is only gonna grow with more matches. More experience playing top players. More time practicing around. It’s only gonna go up for him. I think it’s gonna be scary what he’s gonna be able to achieve."

Draper is set to return to the court this Monday, June 2, when he faces Alexander Bublik (No. 62), who has surprised on the clay courts – a surface that has always eluded him – by reaching the second week of the French Open for the first time.