João Fonseca vs Jack Draper Live: Roland Garros 2025 Heats Up Suzanne-Lenglen

The Suzanne-Lenglen court in Paris is electric as Brazilian João Fonseca, ranked 65th globally, faces British star Jack Draper, world number 5, in the third round of Roland Garros 2025 on Saturday, May 31, starting at 10:30 a.m. Brasília time (9:30 a.m. GMT). Broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, the match, part of the round of 32 in the French Grand Slam, pits the 18-year-old Carioca against a top contender aiming to reach the fourth round. Fonseca, riding a wave of straight-set wins, seeks to overturn his loss to Draper in their only prior meeting at Indian Wells 2025. The Brazilian crowd packs the stands, creating a vibrant atmosphere, while Draper relies on his experience to advance.

The match, moved to Suzanne-Lenglen due to another player’s withdrawal, sees intense early exchanges. Fonseca holds serve with powerful forehands, and Draper counters with precise shots. The 10,000-strong crowd roars with every point, amplifying the stakes.

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• Early highlights:
• Fonseca secures the opening game with a crosscourt forehand winner.
• Draper responds with two aces, leveling the score.
• Brazilian fans chant loudly, turning the court into a cauldron of support.

This match marks a milestone for Fonseca, competing in his first Roland Garros main draw.

Mais cedo o João fez um treino/aquecimento com o juvenil italiano Jacopo Vasami, que assim como o Draper, também é canhoto.

[Via IG/jacopo.vasami] pic.twitter.com/iVXcyYOj6f

— João Fonseca Updates (@fonsecaupdates) May 31, 2025

Thrilling start at Suzanne-Lenglen

The match kicks off with Fonseca displaying confidence. In the first game, he holds serve after a 12-shot rally, clinching it with a sharp forehand that ignites the crowd. Draper, a left-handed server, answers with consecutive aces, keeping the score tight. The Suzanne-Lenglen court, hosting nearly 10,000 fans, underscores Fonseca’s rising stardom, as his earlier matches drew massive crowds.

Tournament organizers shifted the match from the smaller Simonne-Mathieu court to Suzanne-Lenglen after French player Arthur Fils withdrew, granting Andrey Rublev a walkover. The clay, slightly damp from recent Paris rains, favors longer rallies, suiting Fonseca’s aggressive style.

Fonseca’s tournament run

João Fonseca, 18, has reached the third round without dropping a set. In his opener, he defeated Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, ranked 28th, 6/2, 6/4, 6/2 in 1 hour and 40 minutes. In the second round, he outlasted France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, world number 147, 7/6 (4), 7/6 (4), 6/4, winning two tiebreaks.

• Fonseca’s stats:
• 22 winners against Herbert, with 8 unforced errors.
• 78% first-serve points won.
• 12 break points saved across both matches.

The Brazilian, now provisionally ranked 54th, showcases a devastating forehand and stamina, thriving on clay.

Jack Draper’s strength

Jack Draper, 23, is in peak form. The Brit claimed the Indian Wells Masters 1000 in 2025, defeating Fonseca 6/4, 6/0, and reached the Madrid Masters 1000 final. At Roland Garros, he beat Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 3/6, 6/1, 6/4, 6/2 in the first round and outfought France’s Gael Monfils 6/3, 4/6, 6/3, 7/5 in a three-hour second-round clash.

The lefty leans on his serve and forehand to dictate play. Against Monfils, he converted 7 of 22 break points and fired 14 aces. Before the match, Draper praised Fonseca: “He’s explosive and dynamic. It’ll be a tough battle.”

Head-to-head history

Fonseca and Draper have met once, at Indian Wells in March 2025. Draper dominated, winning 6/4, 6/0 in 75 minutes. Fonseca, a wildcard in his debut full pro season, struggled to match the Brit’s pace.

On Roland Garros’ clay, the dynamics shift. The slower surface tempers Draper’s power and boosts Fonseca’s ability to grind out rallies with heavy topspin.

Carnival atmosphere

Brazilian fans turn Suzanne-Lenglen into a spectacle, waving flags and wearing national team jerseys, reminiscent of Gustavo Kuerten’s title runs. Chants of “João, João!” echo after each point, with celebrities like Neymar amplifying the buzz.

• Fan support:
• Hours-long queues formed before gates opened.
• Green-and-yellow shirts dominate the stands.
• Brazilian chants reverberate across the venue.

Organizers increased security to manage the large crowd, ensuring smooth access to the court.

On-court tactics

Fonseca opens by targeting Draper’s backhand with heavy forehands, aiming to open angles. He occasionally rushes the net to disrupt the Brit’s rhythm. Draper counters with deep serves and crosscourt shots, probing Fonseca’s backhand.

Early games are tight, with both players holding serve. Fonseca saves a break point in the third game with a clutch ace, while Draper fires winners to stay level. The clay encourages extended rallies, testing their endurance.

Stakes of the match

A win would be historic for Fonseca, making him the second-youngest player to reach Roland Garros’ fourth round in the last decade, trailing only Carlos Alcaraz (2021). It would also propel him into the ATP top 50, cementing his rise.

Draper aims for his best Roland Garros showing, having never advanced past the third round. A loss to Fonseca would dent his standout 2025 season and top-5 status.

• Prize money:
• Third round: €240,000 (approx. $260,000).
• Fourth round: €415,000 (approx. $450,000).
• ATP points: 180 for the winner, 90 for the loser.

Style comparison

Fonseca’s game is aggressive, driven by a booming forehand and relentless movement. Draper plays strategically, mixing powerful serves with varied shots. On clay, Fonseca’s stamina could tip the scales, while Draper’s five-set experience gives him an edge in tight moments.

The opening games suggest a long battle, with both players sticking to their game plans. The crowd keeps Fonseca energized, while Draper focuses on blocking out the noise.

Kuerten’s legacy

Fonseca carries the hopes of emulating Gustavo Kuerten, the “Guga” who won Roland Garros in 1998, 2000, and 2001. Fans see parallels in his charisma and clay-court prowess. Fonseca calls Kuerten an inspiration but focuses on carving his own path.

• Brazilian milestones:
• Kuerten: 3 Roland Garros titles.
• Maria Bueno: 1960 doubles champion.
• Fonseca: First third-round appearance in 2025.

Live match update

As of 10:50 a.m. Brasília time, the score remains close in the early games. Fonseca holds serve with flair, while Draper stays steady. Brazilian fans create intense pressure, challenging Draper’s focus. ESPN’s broadcast highlights the match’s high energy and competitive rallies.

The game features long exchanges, typical of clay, with both players showing physical resilience. Fonseca targets Draper’s backhand, while the Brit uses wide serves to counter the Brazilian’s forehand.