Thompson upsets Paire in Lyon

Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC • 3001, Australia, 22 May 2017 | PA

Jordan Thompson has sent eighth seed Benoit Paire packing on the opening day of the Lyon Open in France.

Thompson, playing his final event before the French Open, beat Paire 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 6-4 in just over 2.5 hours on the red clay.

Thompson, the world No.88, wobbled late when leading 5-2 in the third set and allowed Paire to get one break back before serving out the match at his second attempt.

He now awaits either Frenchman Nicolas Mahut or Russian world No.54 Karen Khachanov in the second round.