French for ‘Mixed Bag’? Aussie Men Serve Up Mélange at Roland Garros

Five Australian men entered the 2016 French Open, and for the ninth consecutive year, none progressed to the second week – the last time was back in 2007 when Lleyton Hewitt fell to Rafael Nadal in the fourth round.

However, there was still a bit to like about what transpired in Paris last week, especially from French Open debutant Jordan Thompson.

Despite being labelled a "relative unknown" by Channel Seven during the week – a little unfairly given he has played in the last three Australian Opens – Thompson, who initially found his way into the main draw courtesy of a wildcard, had a convincing first round victory over qualifier Laslo Djere before taking it right up to seasoned veteran Ivo Karlovic.

The 6' 11'' Croatian eventually won their marathon encounter 6-7 6-3 7-6 7-6 12-10 but, if not for Karlovic's ludicrous 41 aces, Thompson would have most likely got the job done.

In the end, the 22 year-old from Sydney proved his recent entry into the world's top 100 is no fluke – and expectations will be higher now his direct acceptance at Wimbledon has been assured.

John Millman – also in his maiden appearance at Roland Garros – should also be mentioned in dispatches. The Queenslander's story is one of perseverance and hard work – qualities he needed to draw on heavily during his first round match against another massive server in American John Isner. The world No.61 defended masterfully but in the end was worn down in four very tight sets.

Aussie favourite Sam Groth would have been feeling downright unlucky when he was drawn to face nine-time French Open champion Nadal in the first round. Groth entered Paris suffering from a pinched nerve in his neck and, adding insult to injury, his power game just doesn't really lend itself to clay.

He saw the funny side, however, tweeting during the rain delay that he'd sprinkled a few grass seeds on the court and was hoping for a miracle. It wasn't to be though, as Rafa took him apart for the loss of just three games

There's been a lot of ink spilled discussing the trials and tribulations of Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, with the former considered half a chance in Paris this year. When rubber sole finally hit red dirt, Kyrgios initially lived up to expectations, brushing past his first two opponents with ease. However, he then succumbed meekly to nemesis Richard Gasquet in the third round. An honourable loss, the Frenchman can certainly play – and did so with absolute aplomb.

To his credit, Kyrgios went about his Parisian business with little fanfare for the most part. Sure, he incurred a somewhat dubious violation for asking the ballboy for a towel a little too abruptly – and he got flustered during the loss to Gasquet – but one starts to think not much notice would've been taken if it hadn't been Nick.

As for Tomic, he posted a somewhat laconic first round win over world No.662 Brian Baker, which drew criticism from some quarters. He countered by looking pretty focused during his second round match against Borna Coric, although he eventually went down to the lower ranked teenager in four sets.

However, given his poor performances on clay in recent times – and his vocal dislike for the surface – Tomic wasn't the favourite going in, so the loss was not overly surprising.

Perhaps Bernie was channeling French poet Victor Hugo, who said that "to err is human, to loaf is Parisian." This year, it seemed like we got a bit of both.