Paris (AFP)
Nicolas Mahut, already the author of a small feat in the first round by going two sets back, reoffended by qualifying Wednesday for the third round thanks to his surprise victory over the German Philip Kohlschreiber (54) 6-3, 6 -3, 6-3.
The Angevin, at age 37, decidedly detonated this year Porte d'Auteuil, for perhaps his last appearance in singles in the Paris tournament. The Frenchman (253rd), not really specialist of clay, and more than 200 places of his opponent of the day, realized the improbable. And quite neatly: 3 dry sets.
Recipient of an invitation, his first round was already almost a miracle, winner against the semi-finalist of the last edition Marco Cechinnato (19th) after losing the first two rounds.
"The most beautiful victory of my career," he said just after the meeting. He therefore confirmed that he felt decidedly well this year on clay Paris.
Nicolas Mahut, former N.1 world doubles, never exceeded the third round of Roland Garros, a stadium he has already reached twice in 2012 and 2015.
He will face the next round the winner of the match between the two Argentinian Diego Schwartzman and Leonardo Mayer.
? 2019 AFP