Damir Dzumhur had to save four match points to stave off an upset against Mikhail Kukushkin and book a spot in round two of the Open 13 Marseille.
The seventh seed – ranked 60 places higher than his opponent – was serving to stay in the contest at 5-4 down in the second set and was on the ropes during a mammoth game.
However, Kukushkin was unable to make the most of his opportunities and Dzumhur recovered for a 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 victory.
Julien Benneteau delighted the home fans with a 6-4 6-3 defeat of Malek Jaziri, while Thomas Fabbiano overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-4.
