Thompson’s tough task

SYDNEY’S Jordan Thompson will have to conquer 13-time champion Rafael Nadal in his French Open fortress to make it out of round one in Paris for the first time in three years.

Nadal is looking to back up his unlikely Australian Open title while snatching back his Roland Garros crown, after world No.1 Novak Djokovic came from a set down to beat him in last year’s semi-finals.

The Spanish superstar’s 105-4 record at the claycourt grand slam is the most dominant record of any player at the four majors.

Thompson is ranked 82 in the world but has carved out a good career as a top-100 fixture for the past four years who has also represented Australia in the Davis Cup.

The 28-year-old made it to the round of 32 at the 2019 French Open but lost his only prior clash with fifth-seeded Nadal in straight sets at the Paris Masters, on an indoor hardcourt, two years ago.

At least 11 Australians will contest the Roland Garros singles draws across the next fortnight, with Seone Mendez trying to increase that to 12 in her final-round qualifying match on Friday night.

Jason Kubler qualified for his first French Open with a 7-5, 6-2 defeat of Portugal’s Pedro Sousa on Friday.