The duo converted four break points and won 68% of their first-serve points in the hard-fought encounter that lasted two-hour and 11 minutes.

Later, Balaji and his Mexican partner Miguel Reyes-Varela cruised past China’s Yunchaokete Bu and Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-2, 6-1 in just 51 minutes.

The Indo-Mexican duo dominated from start to finish, firing four aces, winning 81 percent of first-serve points and converting four of 10 break-point opportunities.

Their aggressive return also earned them nearly half (49%) of receiving points.

With Balaji’s win, three Indians have now made the round of 32 in the men’s doubles at the Roland-Garros.

Earlier, Yuki Bhambri and American Robert Galloway had edged past Robin Haase and Hendrik Jebens 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3. PTI TAP UNG