Aljaz Bedene reached the third round of a grand slam for the first time with a battling five-set victory over Pablo Carreno Busta to set up a probable meeting with Novak Djokovic.
After Andy Murray's efforts in battling back from deficits to win in five sets in rounds one and two of the French Open, it looked like British number two Bedene might go the other way.
He took the opening two sets against Spaniard Carreno Busta in fine style but then saw the world number 43 hit back to level.
Carreno Busta had the momentum going into the decider but it was Bedene who came through 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 4-6 5-7 6-2 after winning the last four games.
Like he had in the first round against qualifier Gerald Melzer, Bedene made a slow start but again he retrieved the early break and battled manfully to hold onto his serve in the sixth game, saving five break points.
He made a brilliant start to the tie-break, winning the first five points, and, although he lost the next three, he got over the line.
Bedene came into the tournament happy with his form but low on confidence amid the stress of his ongoing battle to represent Great Britain in Davis Cup.
He is also without a coach, although praised the influence of Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, who is helping him out on a temporary basis.
Bedene looked supremely confident in set two, winning the final four games, but Carreno Busta made a good start to the third set and the momentum turned.
Bedene had two chances to take the fourth into a tie-break but could not take them and there was then a long break while Carreno Busta received treatment to his left thigh.
The initial stages of the decider were tight and tense but Bedene forged ahead with a break for 4-2 and thereafter the end was swift, with the 26-year-old letting out a huge roar after Carreno Busta's final backhand landed wide.
Provided Djokovic beats Steve Darcis, the pair will meet for the second time, with Djokovic having won their only previous match in the first round of the Australian Open last year.
Source: PA
