Add CategoryAlex de Minaur has banished the torment of a miserable injury struggle, surging into the French Open’s second round by hammering American Bradley Klahn.
The Sydneysider erased the frustration of a five-match losing streak compounded by chronic groin soreness, posting a clinical 6-1 6-4 6-4 win.
Seeded 21st, de Minaur was too classy for Klahn, logging 20 winners after overcoming an edgy start to post his first main draw win at Roland Garros.
Surviving break points in the first game, the 20-year-old gradually took control to streak through the first set.
He incessantly peppered the Klahn’s suspect backhand, forcing the journeyman to take unnecessary risks.
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The strategy paid off in gold as de Minaur advanced in 102 minutes with an excellent returning display.
It was his first win since reaching the quarter-finals of the Mexico Open in February.
Beaten in the first round here last year by Kyle Edmund, world No 24 de Minaur has the chance to climb into the top 20 here.
To do so, he will first need to overcome tough Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, who destroyed Joao Sousa 6-3 6-1 6-2.