Frenchman Hugo Gaston defies the odds to battle past Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros

20-year-old unseeded Frenchman Hugo Gaston stunned 2015 Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

Not many would’ve predicted the hopes of the home crowd would rest on World No 239 Hugo Gaston, but the 20-year-old produced a seismic shock to beat former World No 17 Stan Wawrinka in his first ever match against an opponent ranked inside the top 50.

The wildcard, who had only played one Grand Slam match before Roland Garros, showed grit and determination to overcome the three-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, in a rain-interrupted contest on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

Alongside American qualifier Sebastian Korda, the pair became the first men’s players ranked outside the top 200 to reach the fourth round at the French Open since 2002.

“For me to play in Paris is fantastic. I try to take pleasure in every minute, every moment and today I won. I’m so happy about the win today”, the 20-year-old said.

“I started because my dad was the president of a tennis club. After, I loved to play, I loved the game, so I continued. Now I am playing the Roland Garros and before I would always watch this on TV and today I can play on these courts so it’s amazing for me.”

Gaston’s journey will continue on Sunday as he faces a second consecutive Grand Slam winner in Dominic Thiem as he bids to reach the quarter final stage.