Bernard Tomic plays on the opening day at Roland Garros against title threat Dominic Thiem, while youngster Alex De Minaur, a wildcard, begins against Robin Haase.
Paris, France, 28 May 2017 | AAP
The world No.39 faces Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem on Sunday in what, on paper, appears an uphill battle.
Tomic has won only three matches in seven years at Roland Garros, while Thiem has proven his run to last year’s semifinals no fluke this year with another impressive claycourt campaign.
The 23-year-old is the only man in 2017 to have beaten the great Rafael Nadal on the red dirt and shapes as a genuine Open title threat.
> Check out the full Day 1 schedule at Roland Garros
There was standing room only on the intimate Court 4 as Tomic and compatriot Nick Kyrgios entertained fans with a lively half-hour work-out on tournament eve.
Kyrgios, meanwhile, doesn’t open his campaign until Tuesday, when the 18th seed is up against experienced German Philipp Kohlschreiber, one the toughest unseeded customers in the 128-strong draw.
Joining Tomic in action will be 18-year-old Aussie wildcard Alex De Minaur, who will kick off his first French Open against Dutchman Robin Haase.
The winner faces a likely second-round battle with hot favourite Rafael Nadal, a nine-time champion.
De Minaur has been preparing in Paris this week through practice sessions at Roland Garros with Lleyton Hewitt.
Original author: Matt Trollope