Jason Kubler: Australia’s third Special K breaks through at French Open | Courtney Walsh

The post-Ash Barty era would have started on a bleak note had it not been for the injury-prone baseliner’s maiden win in Paris

With the light fading in Paris on Sunday night, a one-time prodigy of Australian tennis enjoyed arguably the finest moment of a career that has been sadly restricted by injury. Well over a decade after matching the junior deeds of 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, Jason Kubler finally broke through for his first ever win at Roland Garros.

After making it through qualifying in his fourth visit to Paris as a senior, Kubler was able to hold his nerve at critical times when defeating American Denis Kudla 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3). He closed out the triumph with the shot that once seemed destined to carry him a long way in tennis when crunching a brilliant backhand down the line for a winner.