Mikael Ymer produced an impressive debut performance at the Open 13 Provence on Monday, beating home favourite Richard Gasquet 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
The 21-year-old, who saved seven of 10 break points, converted his third match point to break the 2017 semi-finalist in a marathon final game. Following the two-hour, 22-minute victory, Ymer improved to 4-1 in first-round matches this year.
The 2019 Next Gen ATP Finals qualifier will face defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. The reigning Nitto ATP Finals champion will be keen to rediscover his best form after a second-round loss to Aljaz Bedene at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament last week.
In the evening session, sixth seed Benoit Paire will meet wild card Gregoire Barrere in an all-French encounter on Court Central. Marton Fucsovics faces Alexander Bublik in the final match of the day.
