Dominic Thiem takes the first step in proving French Open organisers wrong

Dominic Thiem who was not handed a main draw wildcard much to the behest of tennis fans for his final Roland Garros has started his first step in proving the tournament organisers wrong. He is through his opening round of qualifying at the French Open.

Thiem who is a two-time finalist and has provided some of the best matches in the history of the tournament during his peak was denied a wildcard last week. This drew the ire mainly because it was only really French players and those with reciprocal agreements that benefited.

This led to Thiem who has not been in the form really to win multiple matches likely bowing out with a qualifying slot at the tournament. He looked likely to even be going out early against Franco Agamenone. He lost the first set 6-3 against the Italian. But battled back in two tough sets 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round. Otto Virtanen stands between him and the final round of qualifying. In that round could be Giulio Zeppieri who is 31st seed. In comparison, Thiem is 11th so could be an easier task than perhaps others if he finds his way through.

But he managed to play on Court Suzanne Lenglen for at least one final time. He also received a great reception from the crowd as he took the win. A player in their hearts and one two away from making final memories in the main draw.

Facundo Bagnis, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Stefano Napolitiano, Valentin Vacherot, Gabriel Diallo are among the early winners also in qualifying. Radu Albot, Lukas Klein, Lloyd Harris, Cristian Garin, Lucas Pouille, Benjamin Bonzi and Benoit Paire are also among those playing this afternoon in the men's qualifying.

In the women's which Emma Raducanu snubbed playing in. Alexandra Eala, Lauren Davis, Jule Niemeier, Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Jil Teichmann were among the early winners.