Australian wildcard Adam Walton produced a stunning performance to defeat former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller at the French Open on Tuesday. The Queenslander won 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen, repeating his victory over Medvedev from the Cincinnati Open last August but on a grander stage.
Walton, ranked 97th in the world, credited his belief from that previous win and his ability to handle the 32°C heat. “We grew up in the heat. I really like it when it’s hot in Paris,” he said. The match lasted three hours and 22 minutes, with Walton saving crucial break points in the final set before Medvedev cracked.
Later, Kimberly Birrell pulled off an even bigger upset, defeating world No. 5 Jessica Pegula 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. The 28-year-old Australian, who had lost her last four matches, fought back after a disastrous first set to claim victory in one hour and 45 minutes. “It’s huge,” Birrell said after the match.
The day also saw Alex de Minaur advance to the third round via walkover after his opponent Alexander Blockx withdrew with a right ankle sprain. However, hopes of an all-Australian second-round clash between Walton and Alexei Popyrin were dashed when Popyrin lost to American Zachary Svajda in four sets.
