THOMPSON, KYRGIOS PAIR UP FOR FRENCH OPEN; AUSSIE OLYMPIC HEROES EARN SEEDING
- Christian Montegan
- 59 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Olympic gold medalists John Peers and Matthew Ebden will continue their doubles partnership at the French Open, as Jordan Thompson looks to Nick Kyrgios for a chance at a deep run.
The men's doubles entry list was released overnight, with Peers and Ebden sneaking into the final remaining seed position at No.16.
They have partnered together in the last seven tournaments this year, dating back to Indian Wells at the start of March, but haven't registered back-to-back wins.
Last year, Peers and Ebden claimed gold at the Paris Olympics on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
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It comes as Ebden and Rohan Bopanna controversially separated at the end of 2024, in what was described as a "shi**y situation".
The 37-year-old Aussie commenced the new season pairing up with Belgium's Joran Vliegen, but only won once in their six matches before Indian Wells.
The 18-month suspension handed to Max Purcell has left doubles world No.7 Thompson searching for a new partner, with his name appearing next to Kyrgios in the entry list.
Finalists in the 2012 US Open boys' doubles, the duo will arrive at Roland-Garros unseeded.
So far, it's been a difficult start to the season for Thompson, who was forced to withdraw from his second-round match at the Italian Open last week after telling The First Serve that his body is "not in great condition". He has also had to deal with Plantar Fasciitis and an adductor injury.
Days after his 30th birthday last month, Kyrgios, a former Australian Open doubles champion with Thanasi Kokkinakis, hinted at a return to the Parisian clay, despite last featuring competitively in Miami two months ago.
"Hey guys, couple days off to my birthday now, just getting into training and getting ready to head to Paris in about three weeks," he shared.
Rinky Hijikata, John-Patrick Smith and Matthew Romios are the other Australians confirmed in the draw.
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