## Thompson downs Spaniard, sets up Ruud Paris encounter ### Australian Jordan Thompson has set up a blockbuster second-round clash with Casper Ruud at the French Open after a gritty 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win over Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco on Monday. ### The victory marks Thompson's first at a Grand Slam since the 2020 Australian Open and is his third career win over a top-30 opponent. ### The 28-year-old, who is ranked 80th in the world, broke Verdasco's serve seven times in the match, while only dropping his own twice. ### Thompson will now face world No. 8 Ruud in the second round on Wednesday, in what will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour. ### Ruud, who is a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, is one of the favorites for the title at Roland Garros this year. ### However, Thompson will be confident of causing an upset, having beaten Ruud in their only previous meeting at the Challenger level in 2018. ### Thompson's win is a welcome boost for Australian tennis, which has been struggling in recent years. ### The last Australian man to reach the fourth round of the French Open was Nick Kyrgios in 2016. ### Thompson will be hoping to emulate Kyrgios's achievement and reach the second week of the tournament for the first time in his career.
