Mahut celebrates singles win in Paris with his son

It was another big cause for celebration for Nicolas Mahut at Roland Garros. Last year when he won the doubles crown, his seven-year-old son shared the moment with him and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. And this year, it was a repeat father-son celebration—but on the singles court.

The world No. 253-ranked home favorite came back from two sets down to eliminate defending semifinalist Marco Cecchinato, 2-6, 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in front of a thrilled crowd on Sunday. A year after stunning Novak Djokovic in Paris, the No. 16-seeded Italian became the second seeded casualty, following No. 5 Angelique Kerber.

It was an emotional win for the 37-year-old Mahut in many ways: he played on the new Court Simonne Mathieu, battled back from the brink against a proven clay-court player, took in a standing ovation with his son Natanel, and gained personal gratification after needing a wild card to get in.

Mahut will have to defend his doubles title with a new partner. His Career Grand Slam winning partnership was put on hold by Herbert this spring when his countryman opted to focus on singles.

The world No. 5 is instead joining forces with fellow Grand Slam doubles champion Jurgen Melzer. The No. 13 seeds ironically face Cecchinato and Andreas Seppi in their opening match.

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