French Open 2023: Laura Robson hails Lucas Pouille resurgence after depression and alcohol issues

Laura Robson has hailed Lucas Pouille’s incredible progress to the French Open second round after his battle with depression and alcohol issues.

Robson hopes this is the start of a surge up the ATP rankings for the Frenchman, who came through three rounds of qualifying and faces Cameron Norrie on Wednesday afternoon.

“I can’t imagine how he feels after such a long way back, battling with depression and alcoholism, and has somehow managed to turn things around in this tournament,” said the Eurosport tennis expert.

“I hope no matter what happens [against Norrie] that he keeps this level up because he should be ranked so much higher. We’ve seen him at the very top of the game and we just hope he can get back in the top 100, because more scenes like this would be insane to watch.

“You’ve gone to the lowest low and you don’t think there’s any way back. Somehow, he’s managed to make his way through qualifying into the main draw, win a tough first round match and now there’s no expectation on him going into today.

“There’s no pressure on him, hopefully he can just enjoy the moment. For sure, he’s going to enjoy the crowd.”

The British No. 1 can expect a similarly hostile crowd again, with the majority of the Roland-Garros crowd likely to be rooting for a Pouille victory.

Norrie is the only Brit in the main draw after the withdrawals of both Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund, while Jack Draper was forced to retire from his match against Tomas Etcheverry. Meanwhile, no British women managed to progress to the main draw.

Speaking after his win, Norrie said: “It was an amazing match and all credit to Benoit.

“He played really well and we put on a good show. The support for both players was amazing. I had to fight back really hard. It is fortunate that it went my way in the fifth set but I am pleased to get through after a tough one.”

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