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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.
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.
After two chastening previous experiences on the Paris clay, Draper has returned with a point to prove.
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.
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.
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.
Crucially, he remained calm for the majority of the entertaining contest.
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.
Signs of agitation did begin to show in the fourth set.
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.
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.
Draper, though, kept his cool to get the job done.
