Wildcard Alexei Popyrin has fought from a set down to oust local hope Ugo Humbert and launch Australia’s French Open charge in fighting fashion.
The 19-year-old, who won the junior crown on his last visit to Paris two years ago, defied a vocal home crowd in an impressive 3-6 6-3 7-6 (12-10) 6-3 victory.
The world No.109 is the only Australian in action on the opening day at Roland Garros, with women’s eighth seed Ashleigh Barty and men’s 21st seed Alex de Minaur both scheduled for Monday starts.