Max Purcell has won the first all-Australian battle at the French Open in eight years, downing his fellow Sydneysider and occasional doubles partner Jordan Thompson in a Roland Garros dogfight.
Purcell, who won an ATP doubles tournament with Thompson in Houston only last month, prevailed 7-5 1-6 6-4 6-4 to ensure there will be four Australian men in the second round at the Paris slam for the first time in 23 years.
