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Aussie teenager knocks out local star in French Open debut

Australian teenager Alexei Popyrin has taken out a local rising star to win on his debut in the French Open main draw.

Popyrin, the junior champion in 2017, was handed a wildcard into the tournament and made the most of his chance.

The 19-year-old came back from a set down to defeat Frenchman Ugo Humbert 3-6 6-3 7-6 (12-10) 6-4 in just under three hours.

The first Australian to win the French junior crown since Phil Dent in 1968, Popyrin burst onto the scene with an exciting run to the Australian Open third round earlier this year.

A fan of the Paris clay, Popyrin's victory will likely push him within reach of the world's top 100 and with that direct entry into all four majors.

It looked a far-flung prospect early, though, as lanky left-hander Humbert unfurled his forehand to great effect in a 26-minute first set.

But, after literally slipping over in being broken in the first set, Popyrin found his feet to slowly turn the tide.

He found success when he started to move Humbert around the court, quickly pegging back a set and then holding his nerve in a tense third-set tiebreak, sealing it with one of his 12 aces.

The Australian applied constant pressure to the 20-year-old's serve in the fourth set, eventually breaking for a 3-1 lead.

Alexei Popyrin has won on his debut in the French Open main draw. Pic: Getty
Alexei Popyrin has won on his debut in the French Open main draw. Pic: Getty

He remained composed while Humbert called for the trainer, relying again on his serve to stave off three break points to seal the contest in two hours and 52 minutes.

He will face 31st seed Laslo Dere or Albert Ramos Vinolas in the second round.

Popyrin is one of 12 Australians contesting singles in Paris but was the sole representative on the opening day of the tournament.

Rising star returns from injury

Battling his first serious injury setback since bursting into the limelight has taught Alex de Minaur to relax a little and appreciate just what he's achieved.

The 20-year-old Australian goes into the French Open this week as the 21st seed after a meteoric rise since riding a wildcard in January last year into the Brisbane International semi-finals.

Ahead of Monday's first-round clash with American Bradley Klahn, Australia's top-ranked male revealed an offbeat hobby - old cars, and in his case, ownership of a 1972 Mini - had helped as he worked in recent weeks to overcome a groin injury.

"Rehabbing isn't easy and you've got to distract yourself somehow - and I've got a fondness for classic cars," de Minaur said.

"It's something that's kept me going.

"It's not like I've added to the collection - I don't have the budget of others - but I'm always looking to see what's around."

The world No.24 said he had also learned when to take his foot off the pedal.

"Sometimes I need to sit back, relax and look what I've been able to accomplish," he said.

"I'm very happy with that and I've gotta keep reminding myself of where I used to be and where I am now and keep believing in myself.

"But you can never get complacent - that's the deal."

with AAP