Adam Walton has recorded the biggest victory of his career, downing sixth seed Daniil Medvedev in a five-set epic at Roland Garros 2026.
In his 62nd tour-level match and 13th Grand Slam main-draw encounter, Walton’s grit and discipline outweighed Medvedev’s Grand Slam experience, with the Queenslander claiming the 6-2 1-6 6-1 1-6 6-4 first-round victory in almost three-and-a-half hours.
Having previously defeated the 2021 US Open champion and former world No.1 at the Cincinnati Masters last August, Walton knew what to expect entering his first-round match in Paris.
“It's huge. Beating him in Cincinnati definitely gave me the belief today that I knew could do it, I believed. And just really happy with my performance, and just really excited right now,” said Walton, who was a point away from trailing 4-1 in the fifth set.
“I felt like the ebbs and flows of the match were quite large today. And just really proud of my efforts in the fifth set to come from a break down to get the win.”
Walton's win was followed by a huge upset for a fellow Queenslander, as Kimberly Birrell stunned world No.5 Jessica Pegula in three sets for the biggest victory of her career.
MORE: Brilliant Birrell beats Pegula in major Roland Garros upset
An upset was on the cards from the beginning as Walton raced to take the opening set 6-2.
However, as the match progressed, the dropshot became Medvedev’s best friend. The world No.8 hit 12 winners to three in the second set, with many of those coming from dropshots.
As the match intensified on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Medvedev seemed to take more control, with his backhand posing a problem for the Queenslander. Yet Walton maintained his composure, with the match ultimately moving into a deciding set.
Medvedev gained an early break in the fifth set and looked almost certain to move into the second round, though Walton’s fight shone bright and he regained a crucial break at 4-4.
Then, as an 11-minute game unfolded during which Medvedev mustered three break point opportunities, Walton’s aggressive strokeplay helped him escape with a crucial service hold.
Uncharacteristic errors from Medvedev saw the Australian break to love in the following game, as he advanced to the second round in Paris for the second straight year.
"I felt he was playing pretty well, like he was making a lot of first serves and he was liking my ball. And then I knew I just had to hang tough,” said Walton.
“I thought that 3-1 game, I faced some break points there, and if I go down 4-1, double break, it's going to be pretty tough from there. So getting that hold, definitely keeping the score close, I knew if I just kept fighting maybe I would get a chance. And I'm glad I did.”
Walton will face American Zachary Svajda in the second round after he defeated Walton's countryman Alexei Popyrin 3-6 6-3 7-6(3) 7-5.
Despite a strong start from Popyrin, who was clean on his first serve, Svajda’s shot making was troubling for the New South Welshman, leading to his defeat.
Walton joins Birrell, Alex de Minaur, James Duckworth, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Daria Kasatkina in the second round after their victories on the opening two days.
AUSSIES IN ACTION: ROLAND GARROS
COMING UP ON DAY 4
Men’s singles, first round
[8] Alex de Minaur (AUS) v Alexander Blockx (BEL) – First match, Court Suzanne-Lenglen (from 7PM AEST)
James Duckworth (AUS) v [27] Rafael Jodar (ESP) – Third match, Court 7
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) – Third match, Court 9
You can watch Roland Garros 2026 on the channels of the Nine Network and Stan Sport.